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Sparrow Ionia Hospital, Ionia County Health Department offer drive-thru COVID testing, flu vaccines

Officials change COVID testing advice, bewildering experts
Posted at 1:20 PM, Sep 30, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-30 13:20:49-04

IONIA, Mich. — Sparrow Ionia Hospital and Ionia County Health Department will combine a drivethru COVID-19 testing and flu vaccination event for Ionia County residents. The testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Ionia County Health Department, 175 E. Adams St., Ionia. Residents can choose to receive a flu vaccine and/or a COVID-19 test from the comfort of their vehicle. No appointments or reservations needed. For COVID-19 test, patients will be able to attend without having a physician’s order in advance. No money will be collected on-site for the COVID test. Sparrow will be bill patients later and has options in place for those who cannot afford the test. The test detects a current infection with the virus and does not detect previous infections.

"It's more important than ever to get the flu shot this year. With COVID-19 still among us, this flu season presents a unique challenge to all of us in healthcare. Making sure we all get vaccinated for the seasonal flu will go a long way towards minimizing illness for us all this fall and winter. Getting the flu vaccine protects you, your family and your community," said Brett Reich, D.O., Sparrow Ionia Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director.

For the flu vaccine, Ionia County Health Department will bill Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Medicare, Medicare Part D and Medicaid. You need to bring a copy of your insurance card with you. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, a $28 administrative fee is requested. However, no one will be turned away for their inability to pay.

“In previous years, we were able to offer flu vaccinations throughout Ionia County. However, due to COVID-19 and the necessary precautions taken to protect communities, we are not able to go to different community sites. Offering a drive-thru flu event in Ionia is a convenient opportunity for everyone to get vaccinated,” said Ken Bowen, Director of Ionia County Health Department. For more information, contact John Foren at 517.364.8093 or 517.256.1743.

Sparrow Ionia Hospital continues to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the hospital, 3565 S. State Road, Ionia. The hospital drive-thru site is for COVID-19 testing only; flu vaccines will not be available.

For more information, call the Ionia County Health Department at 616.527.5341.

Check out other Health related articles in our Yes to Healthy Living section of our website.

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