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Get Ahead of the Crowd – Get Your Vaccines for the Upcoming Season
Come to JCA for Newly-formulated COVID and Flu vaccine clinic. In light of the CDC’s determination that older adults should protect themselves, the North Bethesda Village, the Villages of Kensington, and Giant Pharmacy, are offering the updated COVID vaccine and/or a Flu shot. A registered Giant pharmacist will administer the shots.
Jewish Council for the Aging Headquarters
12320 Parklawn Drive, North Bethesda, MD 20852
Friday, October 6, 2023
Time: 9 am – Noon
Adequate parking available at rear of the building.
Please register before Wednesday, October 4, 2023. On the first page, look to the right for a box with a 0 and a small downward arrow point. Click on the arrow and put in the number of people registering. Then, hit submit at the bottom of the page and continue to fill out information. After you submit the completed form you will receive an email confirmation with details about the clinic.
Please bring these items to the clinic:
Please see the FAQs below, or contact Donna Mason, donnapm2@gmail.com, or Sharon Parver, sharon.parver@gmail.com.
North Bethesda Village/Village of Kensington COVID and Flu Vaccine Clinic – October 6, 2023 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.
How do I register?
Please register here before Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
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 2:30 PM. Times will be 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.
