WSU Cougar Health Services and Pullman Regional Hospital are offering flu shots to the community to minimize the chances of spreading another respiratory illness like the flu during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Students can get flu shots from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Friday until Nov. 6 at the Elson S. Floyd Cultural Center. 

On Oct. 30 and Nov. 6, flu shots will be offered from 12-6 p.m. at the Student Recreation Center. 

Students can also make an appointment online or call Cougar Health Services to schedule a flu shot. 

Flu shots are not free, but most insurance plans cover the total cost, according to Cougar Health Service’s website. 

The virus is dead and inactive in the flu shot, said Megan Guido, PRH chief marketing and community relations officer. Therefore, it is not possible to get the flu from the shot. 

“Just like wearing a mask is important for protecting the individual and the community, the flu shot can help prevent hospitalizations and [lessen the] impact on the health care system,” she said. 

The PRH Clinic Network, Sid’s Pharmacy and Palouse Medical will collaborate to offer a drive-up influenza vaccination clinic in October, Guido said.

The drive-up clinics will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m on Oct. 17, 18 and 24 outside of Sid’s Pharmacy at 825 SE Bishop Blvd., she said.

The clinic on Oct. 18 will be open from 12-3:30 p.m., according to a press release from PRH. There will also be clinic on Oct. 10, which is available to adults only.

The clinics are not free and require insurance for billing, Guido said.

Clinic staff will be separating people who are showing COVID-19 or flu-like symptoms from others as a safety precaution, she said. 

PRH and Palouse Medical are working to open up a respiratory care center on Oct. 5 at 690 SE Bishop Blvd. Suite D, she said.