DICKINSON — The Sanford West Dickinson Clinic will hold its annual “Boo the Flu” event on Monday, Oct. 28, from 4 to 8 p.m., on the second floor of the Dickinson West Clinic. The event is designed to make vaccinations a fun and festive experience for children and offers flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations for targeted age groups.
Tania Brost, outpatient nurse manager at Sanford Dickinson Clinic, said the goal of the event is to vaccinate 50 to 75 children. “Walk-ins are welcome,” she added, emphasizing the clinic’s goal to accommodate as many families as possible.
Sanford West Dickinson Clinic staff dressed up in Halloween costumes at last year’s “Boo the Flu” event, where children received flu shots in a fun, festive atmosphere. The clinic hopes the event will be a success again this year.
Contributed to Sanford Health
The event, which has been held throughout the Dickinson and Sanford-Bismarck areas since 2019, combines two notable aspects of October: flu season and Halloween. “The kids love dressing up in costumes, and we love seeing our staff dress up, too,” Brost said. “It makes getting a flu shot a little more fun.”
Parents can also take advantage of the opportunity to have their children receive both the flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same time. “Providing both vaccines at the event means parents do not have to make additional trips to get vaccinated,” Brost explained.
This event has received positive feedback in the past. Looking back on last year’s strong attendance, Brost noted that parents appreciated the fun atmosphere and convenience of the evening. “Parents appreciated the ease and efficiency of scheduling appointments and appreciated the alternative clinic hours outside of the traditional 8-to-5 clinic hours,” she said.
Masks will be required for all patients and visitors to ensure a safe environment, and families are encouraged to call or visit My Sanford Chart to schedule an appointment. However, walk-ins are also accepted. We encourage families to bring their insurance cards as most insurances are accepted.
When asked how he would measure the event’s success, Brost simply answered, “If even one child gets vaccinated and is protected from complications from the flu and COVID-19, then it’s a success.”
With Halloween costumes, flu shots and COVID-19 vaccines also available, the event offers an engaging way for families to protect themselves this season.
When: Monday, Oct. 28, 4-8 p.m. Location: Sanford West Dickinson Clinic, 2nd floor Ages: 6 months to 18 years for flu shots. 12 years and older for COVID-19 vaccinations Appointments: Recommended, but walk-ins are welcome Masks: Required for all patients and visitors Contact: Call (701) 456-6004 to make an appointment Please
Additionally, Samford University is hosting another vaccination event in Dickinson, offering influenza, COVID-19 and RSV vaccines to individuals six months of age and older.
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