The Auglaize County Health Department is preparing for its annual drive-thru flu clinic as health officials encourage residents to begin thinking about protection ahead of the 2026-27 flu season.

The clinic will be held Wednesday, October 7th from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds. Residents attending the clinic should enter through the Dearbaugh Avenue entrance and follow signs through the fairgrounds.

Community Outreach Coordinator Alecia Hume said the drive-thru format is designed to make the process as convenient as possible. Residents remain in their vehicles throughout registration, screening and vaccination, with the entire process generally taking about 20 minutes.

Registration forms can be completed ahead of time at auglaizehealth.org or filled out upon arrival. Residents should bring their insurance card, Medicare Part B card or Medicaid card. Most major insurance plans typically cover the flu vaccine, while cash prices will also be available for those without coverage.

Director of Nursing Jessica Whetstone said the 2026-27 flu vaccine remains trivalent, protecting against three influenza strains — two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain.

Health officials generally recommend receiving the vaccine during September or October. Whetstone said it takes approximately two weeks after vaccination for the body to reach full protection.

During last year's flu season, the Auglaize County Health Department recorded 44 influenza-related hospitalizations between October and May.

The Health Department is also reminding residents that the flu vaccine cannot cause influenza. Officials say influenza is a respiratory illness that typically causes symptoms including congestion, sore throat, cough and runny nose, while what is commonly called the “stomach flu” is a gastrointestinal illness that causes symptoms including nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

Residents with questions about the clinic or influenza vaccination can contact the Auglaize County Health Department at 419-738-3410.

Registration forms and additional information are available at auglaizehealth.org.