x
Breaking News
More () »

Flu Fighter Clinics to include FluMist® & fair food options

Health experts warn of a medical double-whammy with the convergence of flu season and COVID-19 outbreaks. Annual flu shots take on new urgency in 2020.
Credit: KARE

MINNEAPOLIS — Health Fair 11 Flu Fighter Clinics run September 25-27, 2020 at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The public, drive-thru clinics offer a safe and convenient way for people to get their annual flu shot. A limited supply of hard-to-find nasal spray vaccine will be offered. In addition to protecting their health, attendees can reward themselves with special state fair foods.

Flu Fighter Clinics hours are 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. daily. Nurses with Hennepin Healthcare will administer flu shots on a first-come, first-served basis. The Flu Fighter Clinics will use a drive-thru format to ensure social distancing. Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles. A special area is designated for people arriving by public transportation.

Flu Fighter Clinics - WHO CAN BE VACCINATED? WHAT SHOULD YOU BRING?

Here is some basic information for the Flu Fighter Clinics.

  • Flu shots will be administered by nurses with Hennepin Healthcare’s Worksite Wellness program.
  • Nurses will vaccinate ages 6 months and older.
  • Three types of flu shots are available. All versions protect against four strains of influenza.
  • Bring insurance cards. Attendees will need information printed on their insurance card for completing paperwork. Flu shots will be billed to the attendee’s insurance.  People who prefer to pay cash/check will be charged: $39 Quadrivalent / $70 High Dose / $44 FluMist®. Exact change is highly encouraged.
  • Hennepin Healthcare can bill to any insurance provider. However, it is the patients’ responsibility to check if Hennepin Healthcare is a covered provider under their plan. If someone is uninsured, they will receive a free flu shot through the MnVFC (Minnesota Vaccine for Children) or UUAV (Uninsured and Underinsured Adult Vaccine) state program.
  • Work ahead!  Here is a link to the paperwork that needs to be filled out for each person being vaccinated. Print completed form/s and bring it to the event. Forms will also be available on-site.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Flu Fighter Clinics
Minnesota State Fairgrounds
September 25-27, 2020 | 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Drive-thru format

  • All cars must enter the fairground via the main entry gate on Snelling Avenue/Gate 5. (map) Gates will open at 8:45 a.m.
  • Attendees must stay inside their cars. People will not be allowed to walk around the fairgrounds.
  • Face masks are required for all people over age 5.
  • No public restrooms are available.
  • People arriving via public transportation will be vaccinated in a walk-up tent located just inside the Snelling Avenue/Gate 5 entrance. (map)
  • Flu shots will be given on a first come, first served basis with 1,000 vaccinations available each day.

Medical experts from the National Institute of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and UCare agree: Our country is facing a potential medical double-whammy this fall. The co-occurrence of COVID-19 and influenza outbreaks is a recipe for a community health disaster. Leaders from MDH, NIH, CDC and UCare say it’s more important than ever for people to get flu vaccinations this fall.

Influenza and COVID-19 share many of the same early symptoms --- coughs, fever, and body aches. As people get ill this fall, doctors and nurses will immediately be asking if people have received a season flu shot. The patient’s answer will help healthcare workers assess and diagnose patients more effectively.

TASTY REWARDS

People who receive their flu shots at the Flu Fighter Clinics are in for some special rewards. After their vaccination, UCare will be distributing goodie bags containing hand sanitizer, hot/cold packs, notepads and more. Then attendees can treat themselves to warm Tom Thumb donuts and corn dogs & about-a-footlong hotdogs from Hansen’s Foods.

DID YOU KNOW?

Health Fair 11’s Flu Fighter Clinics started in 1998. Our campaign began by offering flu vaccinations inside Cub Foods stores. Health Fair 11's clinics were the first in Minnesota to offer flu shots in retail establishments. Since then more than 907,000 flu shots have been administered through our Flu Fighter program.

ABOUT HEALTH FAIR 11 & ITS SPONSORS

Health Fair 11 is a nonprofit organization (501 (c)(3) with a vision of creating healthier communities through collaborative outreach. Sponsors include KARE 11 TV and UCare. Health Fair 11’s Flu Fighter Clinics are made possible with additional support from Hennepin Healthcare and the Minnesota State Fair. Learn more about Health Fair 11 at www.HealthFair11.org .

UCare is an independent, nonprofit health plan providing health coverage and services across Minnesota and western Wisconsin. It is powered by people who work to de-complicate and figure out the best coverage options for its customers. Learn more at ucare.org .

KARE 11 has been providing news, weather, and community connections to Minnesota and western Wisconsin since 1949 --- first as WTCN and now as KARE 11. The station is owned by TEGNA, Inc., an innovate media company that serves the greater good of its communities.

Nurses and staff with Hennepin Healthcare’s Worksite Wellness program are administering flu vaccinations at Flu Fighter Clinics. The Worksite Wellness program provides on-site services that are convenient, professional, and affordable. Flu shots are just one of many immunizations and health screenings available. Click here for information on how to bring an outreach team to your business. 

TAKE CHARGE OF YOUR HEALTH

The Minnesota Department of Health has an online flu shot finder. If you’re not able to attend Health Fair 11's Flu Fighter Clinics, use this link to find a flu shot opportunity near you.

Stay well!

Before You Leave, Check This Out