Ionia County residents will soon have a new, convenient option to get tested for the coronavirus and to get a flu shot.
Ken Bowen with the Ionia County Health Department says they're offering both drive-thru COVID testing and flu vaccinations Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The hope is to prevent people from getting sick with either virus.
“No. 1, it’s just convenient for folks,” Ken Bowen said.
People don't need to make an appointment before going.
“Anyone can go, you do not have to live in Ionia county," Bowen said. "If you don’t have insurance, we’re going to ask you to pay. But if you can’t pay you’re still going to get your COVID test and your flu vaccine."
If you don't have insurance or are under-insured, the cost is $28 for administrative fees. If you can't pay for that, you still won't be turned away.
Bowen says he's concerned about flu season almost as much as the pandemic.
“It’s especially important this year," Bowen said. "You can get COVID and the flu at the same time, and we don't want that to happen to anyone."
Which is why they're hoping by making the process as easy as possible: People will feel more inclined to go.
“I mean, everybody just likes to stay in their car and get their business done," Bowen said. "Hopefully that applies for flu shots too.”
