By: Ryan Duey
Respiratory virus season typically impacts the northern hemisphere from November through March, and the Riley County Health Department (RCHD) is helping the community get prepared by hosting their 12th annual seasonal vaccination event.
Flu-Tober Fest starts Monday, October 21st, and will run through Friday, October 25th at the RCHD Public Health Clinic located at 2030 Tecumseh Road.
- Monday, October 21: 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Tuesday, October 22: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Wednesday, October 23: 8:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Thursday, October 24 12:00 – 6:00 p.m.
- Friday, October 25: 8:30 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
At this family-friendly event, RCHD will offer flu and RSV vaccines as well as the newest COVID-19 booster doses, plus a free pumpkin to each household while supplies last. No appointments are necessary. For those who cannot attend Flu-Tober Fest, vaccines will continue to be available during regular business hours both before and after October 21-25.
“Our goal is to make it easy to protect your health this season,” explains Riley County Public Health Clinic Supervisor Dr. Jacob Clarke, MD. “Last year, we administered more than 300 vaccines at this event. By extending our hours, we’re hoping even more people are able to participate and further reduce wait times.”
Flu vaccines will be free for everyone without health insurance via the CDC’s Vaccines for Children (VFC) and Section 317 vaccination programs accompanied by a generous grant from the Memorial Hospital Association.
COVID vaccines will be free for all uninsured children and children insured by plans contracted with RCHD. COVID vaccines will be available for adults and may include a limited supply of reduced-cost COVID vaccines for uninsured adults.
Likewise, there will be zero out-of-pocket costs for those insured by plans that cover vaccines and are contracted with RCHD. RCHD contracts with most major insurers in the region but does not contract with TRICARE Prime at this time.
Please bring your ID and, if insured, please verify your coverage and bring your insurance card when arriving for a vaccine. If you would like to complete your paperwork ahead of time, please print off, fill out, and bring with you the corresponding form(s): Child (Age 0-18) OR Adult (Age 19+) available at www.rileycountyks.gov/flu.
If you have questions about the event or how you can receive a seasonal vaccine, please call (785) 776-4779 extension 7600 or visit www.rileycountyks.gov/flu for more information. Thank you, and we hope to see you soon!
The mission of the Riley County Health Department is to promote and protect the health and safety of our community through evidence-based practices, prevention, and education.
