The 2020-21 flu season has the potential to be impactful in a variety of ways. With a strain already existing on community healthcare services, as well as the threat of quarantine due to flu symptoms that closely resemble COVID-19, receiving an influenza vaccine is a critical way to protect you, your family and your community. The flu shot is recommended for everyone that is 6 months of age and older.
Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health (BBPH) will be conducting a drive-through Flu Clinic at the Bismarck Event Center on Thursday, October 29. The event will be held from 3 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Individuals wanting to receive a flu vaccine at these events must enter Parking Lot D, (the lot south of the Bismarck Event Center, across Bowen Avenue) from Seventh Street. The flu clinics will then be conducted inside the Bismarck Event Center. Visit https://www.bismarcknd.gov/1526/Flu-Immunizations?NID=1526 to download and complete the flu form ahead of your visit. Downloading and completing this form will help speed up your vaccination process. This page also contains information on seasonal influenza, insurance plans that BBPH accepts and our flu shot fees. BBPH is also hosting by-appointment flu clinics on October 26, 28 and 30. Call 701-355-1540 for more information about scheduling your appointment.
Remember the following tips to help make your influenza vaccine appointment go efficiently:
- You must be feeling well at the time of your flu vaccination and must not have tested positive for COVID-19 in the past 14 days or have a COVID-19 test pending.
- Wear a face covering during your vaccination.
- Bring your insurance card to your appointment.
- If utilizing a drive-through event, dress yourself and other individuals receiving a vaccine, in short-sleeved shirts and stay in your vehicle.
Additionally, there are steps you can take to prevent the spread of influenza: avoiding close contact with sick people, staying at home when you are sick or have a sick child, covering your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, taking antiviral medication that is prescribed by your doctor, washing your hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and cleaning/disinfecting objects that may be contaminated with germs like influenza. Also, it is important to wear a mask when coming in to close contact with others to prevent other infections like COVID-19.
For flu clinic or influenza vaccine inquiries, as well as questions about other health programs and issues, please call Bismarck-Burleigh Public Health at 355-1540, or you can connect with us through a variety of online platforms. Information is available at www.bismarcknd.gov, as well as through social media: via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. For more info about COVID-19, visit the ND Department of Health website, NDResponse.gov, or CDC website.