Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has expanded services offered at The Springs location. The site now offers flu and COVID-19 vaccines as a complement to testing for respiratory viruses such as COVID-19, RSV, flu and strep. In addition to the drive-thru, vaccine patients now have the option to come inside the space, which will replace the vaccine clinic previously located at the hospital.
The services will be offered in the Springs Respiratory Virus Evaluation/Treatment Center (RVEC) in at Building A at The Springs Health Centre (2200 East Parrish Avenue).
“One thing we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic was that our community lacks adequate access to health care for respiratory illnesses,” said BC Childress, Director of Outpatient Pharmacy Services at Owensboro Health. “While testing for COVID-19 has become much more accessible over the last year, access to preventive care, like vaccines, remains limited. Our vision for the RVEC is to make prevention, testing, and treatment for respiratory illnesses convenient for patients.”
COVID-19 Vaccines
Owensboro Health offers the COVID-19 primary vaccine series with Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for ages 12 and up, and the Novavax vaccine for ages 18 and older. Moderna and Pfizer bivalent boosters — which guard against newer strains of COVID-19 — are also available at this location for ages 12 and up.
Patients can opt to come inside for a vaccine or get it from the convenience of their car via drive-thru. Currently, you need an appointment to get a COVID-19 vaccine, but officials hope to offer walk-in availability soon if more vaccine supplies become available.
You can make an appointment online at OwensboroHealth.org/vaccine, through your MyChart account, or by calling 270-685-7100 (option 6).
Flu Vaccines
Flu vaccines are available at the RVEC in both standard and high-dose options. A high-dose vaccine is recommended for those ages 65 and up.
Appointments are not needed to get a flu shot. Visit the facility and walk in or drive-thru. Most prescription insurance cards are accepted, including Medicare. Private pay for the flu vaccine is $25, cash or check.
Respiratory Virus Testing
The RVEC offers drive-thru testing for COVID-19, flu, RSV and strep. Appointments are not required for this service, but they can be made on Mychart or by calling 270-685-7100.
The RVEC drive-thru is open Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The RVEC vaccine clinic will be open on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We know that vaccines, quicker test results and therapeutic options will help keep patients healthy and out of the hospital,” said Childress. “This is a big step forward for patient-centered care.”
