A SPECIAL VACCINE CLINIC FOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS
GET AHEAD OF THE CROWD!!
If you are an older adult, the CDC has determined that you are still at risk to contract COVID. And Flu remains an annual threat, especially in older individuals. Now you can take advantage of an opportunity in your neighborhood to receive the updated COVID Vaccine and/or a Flu shot. Get your newly-formulated COVID and Flu Vaccines on October 6th with North Bethesda Village and Villages of Kensington!
This Clinic is being sponsored by North Bethesda Village, Villages of Kensington, and Giant Pharmacy. Medicare and Medicaid recipients and others with private insurance* can sign up to receive the updated COVID or Flu Vaccine (or both), administered by a registered pharmacist from Giant Pharmacy.
Here is what you need to know:
Who: All adults who are Medicare or Medicaid recipients as well as those with private insurance*
What: Vaccine clinic to administer the newly-formulated COVID vaccine and the annual Flu Vaccine
When: Friday, October 6, 2023, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
While you are welcome to arrive at any time during the Clinic hours, we ask that you try to attend at the following times in order to help us manage patient flow and reduce wait times:
Last names beginning A-K: 9:00-10:30
Last names beginning L-Z: 10:30-12:00
Where: Jewish Council for the Aging Headquarters, 12320 Parklawn Drive, North Bethesda 20852. Adequate parking is available in the rear of the building.
Next Steps: We ask that you pre-register in order to participate in the Clinic. Click on the link below to open the registration form on Zeffy, our registration website. Please complete the form to admit “1”, then indicate personal contact information, and vaccination(s) desired and click "confirm" to submit your reservation form. We ask that you register by Wednesday, October 4, 2023, although walk-ins are welcome as well.
SIGN-UP LINK:
https://bit.ly/3LykHk8
Upon successful completion of the reservation form for the Clinic, Zeffy will send you a confirmation email followed later by an email with additional details about the Clinic. You will be asked to bring several items with you to the Clinic: a completed Giant consent form (which will be attached to this second email), your Medicare and/or other insurance cards, and personal identification such as a driver’s license.
*Note: The clinic cannot accommodate Kaiser or VA members. Participants in Kaiser Permanente and VA programs should contact their providers regarding access to vaccinations. Persons without medical insurance can obtain vaccinations through the Montgomery County Health Department at: https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/covid19/vaccine/
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Do I need another COVID-19 vaccination?
If you are a senior, it is likely recommended. On September 12, 2023, the Center for Disease Control recommended an updated COVID-19 vaccine for 2023-2024 for everyone aged 6 months and older to protect against serious illness. The CDC recommends a new shot for nearly all Americans to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization or death. The new shots are designed to target the XBB variants — strains of the virus descended from the original Omicron variant — which are now the most common form in circulation.
What COVID vaccines will be available?
Our partners at Giant plan to bring enough of both the updated Pfizer and Moderna COVID-19 vaccines to meet the preferences of all participants.
How much does the COVID-19 vaccine cost?
Although the COVID-19 vaccine is no longer provided at no cost by the federal government, the COVID-19 vaccine will be covered by Medicare and most private insurances. Note that if you have primary coverage through Kaiser Permanente, the VA, Johns Hopkins, NPS Advantage, or Highmark, you may not be eligible to be vaccinated for free at our community clinic. In general, if your insurance company typically requires vaccinations “in network,” please do check with them in advance!
Individuals who are uninsured and underinsured can receive free COVID vaccines at local health centers, pharmacies, and health care providers, through the Bridge Access Program. Vaccines through this program will not be available immediately; people without insurance will need to wait a few weeks after the vaccine is rolled out to get a free or reduced-cost COVID vaccine.
What Flu Vaccines will be available?
The seasonal flu vaccine will be available in both the high dose shot (for people 65 or over) or the regular dose.
You do not need to opt for either the updated Pfizer or Moderna vaccine in advance. You are welcome to come any time between 9 AM and 12:00 PM. Times are suggested based on your surname, but not assigned. Giant Pharmacy will likely be providing three pharmacists. The wait time should still be minimal.
What do I need to bring?
We will provide instructions and reminders on what to bring. Identification, insurance information, and a signed waiver will be on our list of mandatory items. Please bring your vaccination card(s) as well. This will ensure that vaccinations are reported to both your health insurance company and the State of Maryland’s ImmuNet database.
As before, volunteers will be available to help fill out any paperwork.
What safety precautions will be taken?
Please do not come to the clinic if you feel at all sick or have been exposed to somebody with COVID-19 within seven days of the clinic. Although not required, masks are highly recommended and will be available at the clinic.
What If I recently had COVID, do I still need a booster?
The CDC says people who’ve had a recent COVID infection may wait three months to get a booster.
More Questions?
If you have questions about the Clinic, please contact:
Donna Mason (North Bethesda Village) at donnapm2@gmail.com
Sharon Parver (Villages of Kensington) at sharonparver@gmail.com
HERE'S TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH!!
Registration link for vaccination clinic: https://bit.ly/3LykHk8