Respiratory illness season continues with viruses like Influenza A & B, COVID-19, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) on the rise. Greene County is experiencing a surge in RSV hospitalizations, primarily among children. Influenza A is the predominant type making up nearly 94% of the 155 total flu cases as of Nov. 9.
Given the symptoms of these three viruses are similar, getting tested is the best way to know which one you have. In addition to COVID-19 testing at Springfield-Greene County Health on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 8:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m., the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services will now be providing drive-thru testing on Tuesdays for all three viruses. The free testing occurs weekly from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. at Teamsters Hall, 1850 E. Division St.
The Health Department also encourages everyone to consider getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and influenza. Vaccination against COVID-19 can help prevent severe illness and hospitalization. Flu vaccines are available to uninsured or underinsured adults at some COVID-19 clinics hosted by the Health Department which can be found below. Getting both your flu and COVID-19 vaccine in or around the same time is considered safe.
Individuals who receive a primary (first or second) dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or their first booster shot at a Health Department clinic will receive a $50 gift card while supplies last.
Monday, November 14
- Westside Public Health Center – 660 S. Scenic Ave., from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Tuesday, November 15
- Westside Public Health Center – 660 S. Scenic Ave., from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Thursday, November 17
- Westside Public Health Center – 660 S. Scenic Ave., from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
- Midtown Library – 397 E. Central, from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Moderna (6+) offered. Flu vaccine available.
Friday, November 18
- Westside Public Health Center – 660 S. Scenic Ave., from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Closed 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Saturday, November 19
- Library Center– 4653 S. Campbell Ave., from 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m. Pfizer (5+) offered. Flu vaccine available.
- Sacred Heart Church–1609 N. Summit Ave., from 1:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m. Pfizer (5+) offered. Flu vaccine available.