Jefferson County Public Health took its flu vaccination effort on the road Thursday, hosting a drive-through vaccine clinic at the Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue station in Terrebonne — bringing immunizations directly to one of the county's largest and most geographically spread-out communities.

The clinic ran from 3 to 6 p.m. at the CRR Fire Hall, located at 6971 SW Shad Rd. Residents could pull through without leaving their vehicles and receive flu vaccines on the spot, reducing barriers for those with mobility limitations or transportation challenges.

Vaccines Available

The clinic offered standard flu vaccines along with high-dose flu vaccines recommended for adults 65 and older. High-dose formulations produce a stronger immune response and are particularly important for older residents, who face higher risks of serious flu complications, hospitalization, and related illness.

Public health officials recommend getting vaccinated before the end of October to ensure full immune protection before flu season peaks — typically between December and February in Central Oregon.

Why Crooked River Ranch

Crooked River Ranch is Jefferson County's largest unincorporated community, a semi-rural subdivision of several thousand residents spread across canyon-rim terrain west of Terrebonne. The community is a significant draw on county services: the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office regularly handles more than 100 calls for service per month from CRR alone — comparable to some small incorporated cities.

Getting to Madras for routine health services can be a real barrier for CRR residents, particularly older adults or those without reliable transportation. Drive-through clinics stationed at the CRR Fire Hall make vaccination practical for residents who might otherwise skip it.

The Crooked River Ranch Fire and Rescue district has increasingly served as a community anchor beyond emergency response, hosting public health events and serving as a familiar local institution for CRR's sprawling population.

Still Need a Flu Shot?

Jefferson County residents who missed Thursday's clinic have several options for getting vaccinated before winter:

  • Jefferson County Public Health — contact the county health department for upcoming clinic dates and locations
  • Local pharmacies — most major pharmacy chains in Madras offer walk-in flu shots without an appointment
  • Primary care providers — patients can ask their doctor or clinic about scheduling

Jefferson County Public Health can be reached through the county courthouse complex in Madras. Residents are encouraged to get vaccinated early, especially those with young children, elderly family members, or underlying health conditions in the household.