City of New Orleans to Provide Free Flu Vaccine Drive-Thru at the Audubon Zoo, Testing Vaccine Administration Plans
On Monday, October 26, the City of New Orleans will host a free, drive-thru flu vaccine event at the Audubon Zoo, serving the dual purpose of providing flu shots to residents during flu season and helping public health and safety officials test plans for large-scale vaccine administration in anticipation of a future FDA-approved COVID-19 vaccine.
“There is a growing concern among public health officials that flu season could further strain our already stretched hospital and healthcare resources during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic,” said New Orleans Health Department Director Dr. Jennifer Avegno. “That’s why it is especially important this year for all New Orleanians to get their flu shot. With this event, along with many more to come, we’re making it as easy as possible to access the free flu vaccine.”
“This is a great opportunity for us to not only offer flu shots to our residents, but also to test our capabilities,” said New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness Director Collin Arnold. “When a safe and tested COVID-19 vaccine becomes publicly available, we will be ready to facilitate its administration on a large scale, with the help of public health personnel, first responders, and volunteers. This drive-thru flu shot event will serve as a dry run to help us prepare.”
Residents over the age of 6 months are eligible to receive a free flu vaccine on Monday, October 26 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Audubon Zoo, 6500 Magazine St. No identification or health insurance is required and there is no need to pre-register. While the event is a drive-thru model, individuals who walk or bike up will also be accommodated. Vaccines will be issued on a first come, first served basis until the 1,000 maximum number of flu vaccines is reached.
This event is happening in partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health, New Orleans Health Department, New Orleans Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness, and the Audubon Zoo.
We need your help!
The New Orleans Medical Reserve Corps and the NOLA Ready Volunteer Corps are recruiting volunteers to assist in this and future vaccine administration events. Volunteers will be assigned various medical and non-medical duties:
- Medical providers are needed to give flu shots.
- Non-medical volunteers are needed to support vaccination site operations, including patient registration, measuring throughput and flow, supply restocking, and logistics support.
All staff and volunteers will receive a temperature check and a KN-95 mask when they arrive. If you would like to volunteer at the drive-thru flu shot event, follow these steps:
- Register for the pre-event training, which will take place online on Oct. 22 at 6 p.m.
- Register for your desired volunteer shift for the drive-thru flu shot event, which will take place on Monday, Oct. 26 throughout the day.
The City thanks you in advance for your support.