Covington residents will be able to get free flu shots without a wait this Friday at the Covington Wal-Mart, by visiting a drive-thru flu clinic sponsored by the East Metro Health District.

The flu shots will be offered 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday in the Wal-Mart parking lot; the shots will be given to the first 500 attendees. People must be 6 months or older to get a shot.

Flu shots will also be available in Rockdale County on Oct. 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Rockdale County Health Department’s parking lot, 985 Taylor St. SW, Conyers.

"Not only are we vaccinating the community from the seasonal flu, but we are using this as a great opportunity to exercise our ability to quickly and efficiently administer vaccinations to the public in the event of a widespread public health crisis, such as pandemic influenza," says Lloyd Hofer, doctor and district health director for the Gwinnett, Newton and Rockdale County health departments.

Residents who miss out on the free shots can get shots for $25 from their local health department. For Newton residents that is located at 8203 Hazelbrand Road Northeast in Covington. Residents can pay with cash and credit (no American Express). Health departments will bill Medicaid, Medicare Part B and some private insurance. Appointments are not required.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get a flu vaccine each year. For more information about seasonal flu and flu vaccinations, visit www.gnrhealth.com or call (770) 339-4260.