By the end of the first day of a flu shot clinic at the Floyd County Health Department, about 300 people had gotten a shot in the arm in an effort to protect their health.

Nurse manager Pat Townley said she was happy with the results.

“We’re really pleased with the outcome actually, and we hope to see more on Thursday,” said Townley.

The health department will again offer adults flu vaccinations, as well as the pneumonia vaccine and the Tdap vaccine (combined tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis vaccines), from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Thursday.

The pneumonia and Tdap vaccines are free, and the flu shot costs $20. Medicare, Cigna and UHC State Health Benefit Plan Insurance are accepted.

The Tdap vaccine, which protects against whooping cough, is for ages 19-64. The pneumonia vaccine is for those 65 years old or older. The health department will provide free flu shots in all local public schools when the youth vaccine is available, so the flu shots are intended for adults only.

On Monday, Townley said they were able to serve a population of the Rome-Floyd area they have been targeting for a while.

“It’s been adults, and most of them are 65 years old and older, which is fantastic. We have been trying to work more with that group,” she said.

Sisters Lillie Murphy, 84, and Millie Stewart, 88, were among those who showed up at the health department for a flu shot Monday. Murphy said she has four great-grandchildren living with her and she was concerned one of them might get sick and give it to her.

“I went to my doctor and they were out so I came here,” Murphy said.

Her sister said it was an annual habit to get the vaccine, and it has always seemed to work for her.

“I get one every year to keep from getting the flu, and I haven’t had the flu that I can remember,” said Stewart.

The Centers for Disease Control has changed its recommendation for the flu shot this year, expanding it to include everyone in America. This year’s vaccine also includes protection against the H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu.

For more information about the flu shot clinics, call the health department at 706-295-6123.