Grand Forks Public Health offers Walk-in Wednesday vaccinations

(KNOX) – As we enter respiratory illness season, Grand Forks Public Health (GFPH) encourages everyone to use key prevention strategies, like vaccines, to protect themselves, their loved ones and the community from severe respiratory illnesses. Everyone six months and older is recommended to receive a yearly influenza (flu) and COVID-19 vaccine.

“Fall and winter can be a busy time for us all with school, work and holidays,” shared Ashley Krone, BSN, RN, GFPH disease prevention team leader, “By helping to prevent severe illness, vaccines are also helping to prevent us from missing out on work, school and cherished family time.”

GFPH is offering flu and COVID-19 vaccines during Walk-in Wednesdays (no appointment needed) on Oct. 16, 23 and 30 from 12 to 4 pm at GFPH, located on the 3rd floor of the Grand Forks County Office Building, 151 S 4th St. Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for a flu and COVID-19 vaccine. If you have insurance, please bring an insurance card with you.

Insurances accepted by GFPH include Blue Cross Blue Shield, Medicare Part B, North Dakota Medicaid and Sanford. Adults who are uninsured or underinsured may receive vaccines through the Vaccine for Adults (VFA) program at no-cost – limited doses available. Those 18 and younger may qualify for vaccines at no-cost through the Vaccine for Children (VFC) program if they are uninsured or underinsured, are Native American or Alaska Native, or are Medicaid eligible.

If you are unable to attend a Walk-In Wednesday, you can call GFPH at (701) 787-8100 to schedule an appointment. You may also receive your vaccines from a healthcare provider or pharmacy.

Other key prevention strategies to use during respiratory illness season include washing your hands, improving indoor air quality, avoiding those who are sick, and staying home and away from others when you are sick.