As the current pandemic continues, the flu season is also upon us. To help mitigate any possible twindemic, the Board of Health hosted its second drive-thru flu clinic on Oct. 18.

According to Lakeville Walgreens manager Eric Butterly, cars were starting to line up well before the event began at noon. Although, he said he also arrived rather early, noting that he first stopped by the high school at 8 a.m.

“Thankfully I went and got some breakfast during that time,” he laughed. “It turned out to be a very nice day for an outdoor clinic.” 

This event comes following the second consecutive week of Dartmouth being in the red for Covid-19 cases. 

According to state data, over the past two weeks the town has seen an average of 9.7 new coronavirus cases each day per 100,000 people — with 22 new cases as of Oct. 16, up from 19 the previous week.

Health Director Chris Michaud said this drive-thru clinic works as a good reminder for residents “to start thinking about simple things we should be doing” amid the resurgence of coronavirus cases after the count remained low in the Northeast over the summer.

Board of Health member Lynne Brodeur agreed, saying that while getting a flu shot has always been important, it is especially now more than ever.

“You need to be able to distinguish your symptoms if you have symptoms,” she said. “You might not be able to rule out the flu — we know the shot isn’t 100 percent effective, but it is still very effective.” 

With regard to the recent spike, Michaud said he’s noticed residents have become more relaxed with remembering pandemic practices.

Brodeur agreed, noting that if residents make sure to remain cautious like they were earlier in the year, then “maybe we won’t see an uptick.”

To best mitigate any further resurgence, Michaud urged residents to remember to keep their social distance from each other as much as possible and to avoid large indoor gatherings.

“The risk for transmission does not go away in your home if you have a gathering,” he said. “If you decide to have 40 people and they’re not keeping their distance or wearing masks, that’s a very risky event.” 

Most of all, Michaud stressed that if you feel sick, “stay home.” 

The Board of Health will host another flu clinic on Sunday, Oct. 25 from 12:30 to 3 p.m. at Bishop Stang High School and St. Julie Billiart Church on Slocum Road.

Those wishing to get vaccinated will need to fill out a vaccine administration form, available at the drive-thru or on the town website at town.dartmouth.ma.us/board-health/pages/flu-clinic.