Multi-taskers rejoice! If you’re traveling through Cleveland Hopkins International Airport this month, you can cross another errand off your list. CLE has partnered with the Cleveland Department of Public Health to offer flu vaccinations to travelers, airport tenants and employees.
A vaccination station will be set up on the secure side of security checkpoint Cat Gate C2 from 8 a.m. to noon on November 11 and 18. Travelers who want a flu shot need only present their medical insurance card before receiving the vaccine. The station is intended to be quick and convenient for people already passing through the terminal.
“It’s truly a win-win situation,” said Toinette Parrilla, director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health. “Business travelers clearly appreciate the convenience of getting the flu vaccine right here at CLE, and preventing the flu is our business.”
Offering vaccinations at the airport encourages immunization by making it easier for busy travelers and airport staff to get protected without altering their schedules. On-site flu clinics reduce barriers such as limited appointment availability, travel time to a clinic and competing commitments that can delay or prevent people from getting vaccinated.
The initiative also supports public health goals by increasing the number of vaccinated individuals in the community. Airports are high-traffic environments where contagious illnesses can spread quickly; providing vaccines on-site helps lower the overall risk of transmission among passengers and employees. Employers and tenants who take advantage of the service contribute to a healthier workplace and help maintain smoother airport operations during flu season.
Passengers planning to receive a vaccine at the airport should bring their medical insurance card and arrive with sufficient time to pass through security and visit the station before their flight. While walk-ups are typically accepted, availability may vary depending on demand, so planning ahead is recommended.
Flu vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of complications, including older adults, pregnant people, young children and individuals with chronic health conditions. Even for healthy adults, getting the annual flu shot helps protect not only the individual but also those around them by reducing the chance of spreading the virus.
By offering convenient, on-site flu shots, CLE and the Cleveland Department of Public Health aim to make preventive care more accessible and to encourage higher vaccination rates during the flu season. Travelers and airport staff can take advantage of these limited dates to protect themselves and others while keeping their travel plans on track.