In February 2018, Kanawha County paid for free flu shots for any resident who had not yet been vaccinated. The effort, called Project Last Shot, came during a flu season that a state health advisory described as widespread and severe.
County commissioners approved the program on February 6 and bought the county’s remaining 4,000 doses. The health department gave the shots. Clinics were held at public places such as the Charleston Town Center, the county courthouse, the Union Carbide Tech Center, Bible Center Church, a regional bus at the Transit Mall and Manna Meal.
The county commission president urged older adults and parents of infants in particular to get vaccinated. Health officials said the season might last into May. By February 16, 179 people had received a free shot.