Here’s where you can get drive-up flu shots in the Boise area this fall

Local hospitals and health care groups will offer drive-up flu vaccines at locations in the Boise and Nampa area, through the end of October. Most health insurance plans cover the cost of flu vaccines.

Saint Alphonsus Health System, the Boise VA Medical Center, the Idaho Immunization Coalition and Valor Health will offer drive-up flu vaccine clinics in the Treasure Valley.

Patients can schedule appointments using the Saint Alphonsus online flu shot scheduling tool.

“As we enter into flu season while we are in the midst of a pandemic, it’s imperative that people get their flu vaccines,” said Dr. Mark Nassir, president of Saint Alphonsus Medical Group, in a news release. “The vaccine is an important part of preventing influenza and significantly improving immunity not just for individuals, but for our community as well.”

Nassir and other medical leaders have stressed the importance of the flu shot this season. They note that many symptoms of COVID-19 are similar to those of influenza, which may result in a surge of demand for limited coronavirus testing resources. The flu sickens many Idahoans every year, which may put an added burden on hospitals as they care for COVID-19 patients.

The flu vaccine doesn’t prevent all illnesses, but it can significantly reduce the severity of flu symptoms, Nassir said. Getting the vaccine also can protect vulnerable people who are unable to be immunized, such as infants.

Saint Alphonsus flu shots in Boise, Nampa, Meridian

The Saint Al’s drive-up flu clinics will run from Sept. 29 through Oct. 30. For dates and locations, see below. Times are shown on the Saint Alphonsus flu shot website.

Boise flu shot location: Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center campus, between the Mulvaney and Liberty buildings (on Hartman Street)

Nampa flu shot location: Saint Alphonsus Medical Group - Family Medicine, 1510 12th Ave. Road, Nampa

Meridian flu shot location: Saint Alphonsus Medical Group Ten Mile Clinic, 3250 W. Cherry Lane

Boise VA offers drive-up shots for veterans

The Boise VA Medical Center also is offering drive-thru flu shots through mid-October.

The Boise VA typically offers walk-in flu shot clinics in the fall. This year, the Treasure Valley clinics are taking place outdoors:

• Boise VA Medical Center, 500 W. Fort St., Boise, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Mondays through Fridays, until Oct. 16.

• Caldwell VA clinic, 4521 Thomas Jefferson St. in Caldwell, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m, Oct. 5, 6, 8, 12, 13, 16, 19, 22, 26, 27 and 30.

Veterans should bring their VA identification card and wear a shirt that allows access to the upper arm, the VA says.

Flu shot clinic in Meridian this Saturday

The Idaho Immunization Coalition’s group Get Immunized, Idaho, will host a drive-through flu shot clinic on Saturday, Oct. 3, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Idaho State University-Meridian rear parking lot, 1307 E. Central Drive in Meridian.

Flu shots will be available to anyone over six months of age.

“We are in the middle of a pandemic and staying as healthy as possible is more important than ever. The flu is the deadliest vaccine preventable illness in the U.S., and everyone is at risk,” Karen Sharpnack, executive director of the Idaho Immunization Coalition, said in a news release.

Valor Health will have drive-up flu shots in Emmett

The Emmett hospital and clinic will offer drive-up flu shots on Thursday, Oct. 15, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Patients should go to the hospital parking lot, at 1202 E. Locust St., Emmett.

For people without health insurance coverage, Valor Health will offer a discounted cash price.

St. Luke’s Health System won’t offer drive-up flu shots

The state’s largest health care system has decided not to offer flu shots outside of its clinics, according to spokesperson Anita Kissee.

“St. Luke’s is not able to offer drive-up flu shots this year for safety of patients and staff,” she said by email Monday.

“To maintain physical distancing and discourage congregations of people, St. Luke’s encourages patients to schedule an appointment for their flu shot at their primary care clinic via myChart. Night and weekend appointments will be available, but walk-in appointments will not take place this year to maintain a safe care environment.”

Flu shots also will be available during routine office visits, such as annual wellness checkups.

This story was originally published September 28, 2020 at 5:06 PM.

Audrey Dutton

Idaho Statesman

208-377-6448

Investigative reporter Audrey Dutton joined the Statesman in 2011. Her favorite topics to cover include health care, business, consumer protection and the law. Audrey hails from Twin Falls and has worked as a journalist in Maryland, Minnesota, New York and Washington, D.C.