Published: Sept. 30, 2020
IONIA, MI – Sparrow Ionia Hospital and Ionia County Health Department will combine a drive-thru COVID-19 testing and flu vaccination event for Ionia County residents.
The testing will be held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 7, at Ionia County Health Department, 175 E. Adams St., Ionia. Residents can choose to receive a flu vaccine and/or a COVID-19 test from the comfort of their vehicle. No appointments or reservations needed.
For COVID-19 test, patients will be able to attend without having a physician’s order in advance. No money will be collected on-site for the COVID test. Sparrow will be bill patients later and has options in place for those who cannot afford the test. The test detects a current infection with the virus and does not detect previous infections.
"It's more important than ever to get the flu shot this year. With COVID-19 still among us, this flu season presents a unique challenge to all of us in healthcare. Making sure we all get vaccinated for the seasonal flu will go a long way towards minimizing illness for us all this fall and winter. Getting the flu vaccine protects you, your family and your community," said Brett Reich, D.O., Sparrow Ionia Hospital Emergency Department Medical Director.
For the flu vaccine, Ionia County Health Department will bill Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Cross Medicare, Medicare Part D and Medicaid. You need to bring a copy of your insurance card with you. For those who are uninsured or underinsured, a $28 administrative fee is requested. However, no one will be turned away for their inability to pay.
“In previous years, we were able to offer flu vaccinations throughout Ionia County. However, due to COVID-19 and the necessary precautions taken to protect communities, we are not able to go to different community sites. Offering a drive-thru flu event in Ionia is a convenient opportunity for everyone to get vaccinated,” said Ken Bowen, Director of Ionia County Health Department.
Sparrow Ionia Hospital continues to offer drive-thru COVID-19 testing, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the hospital, 3565 S. State Road, Ionia. The hospital drive-thru site is for COVID-19 testing only; flu vaccines will not be available.
For more information, call the Ionia County Health Department at 616.527.5341.
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Sparrow Ionia Hospital is a subsidiary of Sparrow Health System. As Mid-Michigan’s premier health care organization, Sparrow includes hospitals in Lansing, Charlotte, St. Johns, Ionia and Carson City, as well as Physicians Health Plan, Sparrow Care Network, and the Michigan Athletic Club. Sparrow is affiliated with Michigan Medicine through the Sparrow Children’s Center and with Michigan State University’s three human health colleges. Through these partnerships and the dedication of our 10,000 Caregivers, Sparrow pursues a vision to be nationally recognized as a leader in quality and Patient experience. For more information, visit Sparrow.org.