Free Flu Shots

press release: Beginning Tuesday, November 10, the free drive through clinic at the Alliant Energy Center is available to all Dane County adults and children 6 months and older, regardless of health insurance status.

Previously, only Dane County adults and children who do not have health insurance, or who have BadgerCare, Medicaid, or Medicare could utilize the clinic. 

“We felt it was important to offer vaccines to people that experience insurance barriers first, but given our current supply of vaccine, we are expanding eligibility to immunize as many people as possible during the COVID-19 pandemic,” says Tess Ellens, Public Health Nurse at Public Health Madison & Dane County. “If you have not gotten your flu shot yet this year, we would love to see you here,” added Ellens.

Since opening in early October, the free clinic has vaccinated over 800 people. The clinic is open until November 19, 2020, but everyone is encouraged to get a flu shot as soon as possible since it can take two weeks to reach full effectiveness.

Details: Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00pm to 8:00pm and Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 8:00am to 4:00pm, at 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713. Closed on Sundays and Mondays.  In order to facilitate traffic flow at the site, people arriving for flu shots are now directed to use the entrance on Olin Avenue. 

• Anyone younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian authorized to give consent for the flu shot on their behalf. 
• No ID is needed.
• Immigration status is not asked. Interpreters are available.
• If possible, wear clothing that will make the upper arm available for the vaccine. For children under the age of 5, their upper thigh needs to be accessible. Children can stay in their car seat while receiving the vaccine.

Free transportation is available for those that need it by calling the Public Health Transportation Line at (608) 243-0420.

Plan to wait 15 minutes after receiving a flu shot to monitor for any possible side effects. 

People who are experiencing symptoms, were diagnosed with COVID-19 in the past 14 days, need a COVID test, or are waiting for results from a COVID-19 test will not be able to get a flu shot.

“We’re so happy to be able to provide flu shots alongside the COVID testing site that’s already proven to be really convenient for members of our community,” says Sarah Hughes, Immunization Coordinator for Public Health Madison & Dane County. “We’re making this as easy as COVID testing, with the ability to get your shot without even having to leave your car,” adds Hughes. As with COVID-19 testing at Alliant Energy Center, people may also arrive by bike or on foot and be vaccinated.

“While the flu clinic is running alongside the COVID testing site, it’s important to note that you won’t be able to get a flu shot and a COVID test on the same day,” continues Hughes. “This is part of the guidance set forth by the CDC for this flu season,” says Hughes.

There is no vaccine for COVID-19, but there is a safe, effective vaccine to prevent the flu.

“We know that getting the flu makes you more susceptible to other illnesses like COVID-19, so if you’re concerned about that virus, you should be concerned about the flu too. We’re especially concerned for those who are already disproportionately affected by COVID-19,” says Hughes.

“Our goal is for everyone in Dane County to get a flu shot, and to get it early, before flu starts to circulate in our community. This is how we can prevent a twindemic. While flu shots are readily available through clinics and pharmacies, our hope is that adding this flu clinic, free of charge, for our community members who lack insurance coverage will help make our goal possible,” continues Hughes. 

The drive through flu clinic will operate until November 21^st, or when the vaccine supply runs out.

People with insurance can call their provider or get a flu shot from one of many pharmacies in Dane County.

A partir del martes 10 de noviembre, la clínica autoservicio de vacunas contra la gripe en el Alliant Energy Center está disponible para todos los adultos y niños de 6 meses en adelante del Condado de Dane, independientemente de la cobertura de salud.

Anteriormente, solo los adultos y niños del condado de Dane que no tienen seguro médico o que tienen BadgerCare, Medicaid o Medicare podían utilizar la clínica.

"Pensamos que era importante primero ofrecer vacunas a las personas que experimentan barreras de seguro, pero dado nuestro suministro actual de vacunas, estamos ampliando la elegibilidad para inmunizar a la mayor cantidad posible de personas durante la pandemia de COVID-19", dice Tess Ellens, Enfermera de Salud Pública en el Departamento de Madison y el Condado de Dane. "Si aún no se ha vacunado contra la gripe este año, nos encantaría que viniera,” continuó Ellens.

Desde su apertura a principios de octubre, la clínica gratuita ha vacunado a más de 800 personas. La clínica está abierta hasta el 21 de noviembre de 2020, pero se recomienda a todos que se vacunen contra la gripe lo antes posible, ya que pueden pasar hasta 2 semanas para alcanzar la efectividad máxima.

Detalles sobre la clínica autoservicio de vacunas contra la gripe:

• 1919 Alliant Energy Center Way, Madison, WI 53713
• Use la entrada de la Avenida Olin y siga los letreros para la clínica de vacunas contra la gripe
• Las vacunas contra la gripe están disponibles de manera gratuita para adultos y niños de 6 meses en adelante del Condado de Dane independientemente de la cobertura de salud.   
• Horario:

• Martes y jueves de 12:00pm a 8:00pm
• Miércoles, viernes y sábados de 8:00am a 4:00pm

• Cerrado los domingos y lunes
• No se necesita identificación.
• No se pregunta estado migratorio.
• Interpretación disponible.
• Transporte gratuito disponible llamando a la Línea de Transporte de Salud Pública al (608) 243-0353.
• Las personas menores de 18 años deben estar acompañados de un padre o tutor legal autorizado para dar consentimiento para recibir la vacuna.
• Planee esperar alrededor de 15 minutos después de recibir la vacuna para observar por posibles efectos secundarios
• Las personas que tengan síntomas, fueron diagnosticadas con COVID-19 en los últimos 14 días, necesitan una prueba o están esperando los resultados de una prueba de COVID-19 no podrán vacunarse contra la gripe.
• Si es posible, use ropa que permita que la parte superior del brazo esté disponible para la vacuna. Para los niños menores de 5 años, la parte superior del muslo debe ser accesible.
• El personal trabajará con las familias para proveerles las vacunas de la manera que les más resulte cómoda.

“Con el COVID-19 propagándose por todas partes, la vacuna contra la gripe es especialmente importante este año no solo para proteger la salud, sino también para reducir la carga sobre los hospitales y los sistemas de salud. Hemos recibido una gran cantidad de comentarios positivos sobre la conveniencia del sistema autoservicio y estamos entusiasmados de ampliar el acceso,” agregó Ellens.  

Por favor visite la página del Departamento de Salud http://publichealthmdc.com/influenza  para más detalles e información actualizada.