An immunization fair at the fire station will be available this Saturday. 

The TDaP, meningitis, HPV, influenza and COVID-19 vaccines will be available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The clinic is not officially part of EudoraFest, but will happen at the same time.

“We know there’s going to be a lot more foot traffic in that downtown area, and the fire department is in very close proximity,” said Becky Plate, a nurse who volunteers to administer vaccines. “It’s just going to be a really convenient opportunity for people to stop by.”

The vaccination clinic is in partnership with the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department Those with insurance or Medicaid are instructed to bring cards and information regarding that status. Many of the vaccinations don’t have a co-pay.

“Vaccines are safe and effective,” Plate said. “One of the things that’s a barrier for a lot of people is where to get them. This isn’t much about promoting one vaccine over another. This is about the health department trying to do outreach to bring their services to the whole county.”

This event is open to all Douglas County residents. If possible, people are encouraged to bring vaccination records.

As of Thursday, LMH Health reported 11 COVID in-patients, of which nine were active and two recovering. Of the nine active patients, half were unvaccinated.

Since June 15, the hospital has had 146 total COVID in-patients, with 74% unvaccinated, 19% fully vaccinated and 7% partially vaccinated.

Infectious diseases physician Christopher Penn said those who have already had COVID-19 should still get the shot since their chances of reinfection are nearly 2.5 times higher than if they were vaccinated.

“Vaccination improves your chances of not getting COVID again, and more importantly, it dramatically reduces the risk of serious illness that could come with that second infection,” he said.

LMH Health also reminds Douglas County residents that COVID-19 Pfizer booster clinics are underway through Lawrence-Douglas County Public Health.

The CDC recommends a booster dose for individuals who have completed the two-dose series with a Pfizer vaccine and are:

• 65 years and older, or

• Residents of a long-term care setting, or

• 50-64 years old with underlying medical conditions such as cancer, chronic kidney disease, chronic lung diseases, Down syndrome, dementia, heart conditions, diabetes, HIV, immunocompromised state, liver disease, overweight or obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease or thalassemia, smoking, solid organ or blood stem cell transplant, stroke and substance use disorders.

The CDC also approved a booster dose for individuals who have completed the two-dose series with a Pfizer vaccine and are:

• 18-49 years old with underlying medical conditions, or

• 18-64 years old who are at increased risk for COVID-19 exposure and transmission because of occupational or institutional setting. These settings may include health care workers, teachers, grocery store workers, retail workers, first responders and residents and staff in congregate settings.

Appointments can be made online at http://ldchealth.org/covidvaccine.