Be COVID Safe This Summer!

Summertime is here – and for many of us that means socializing and lots of fun activities like heading to the pool, family vacations or gatherings, cookouts and seeing friends and family. Before you and your family gather with loved ones or friends for these great summertime events, The Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) has some news to help you be COVID safe this summer!  

Booster Shots Now Available for Those 5 and Older  

The UGPHD is now offering booster shots for children ages 5-11 years old who completed their primary series with the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine at least 5 months ago. Remember, all COVID-19 vaccinations and booster shots are free of charge, regardless of the patient’s immigration or insurance status.  

Who Else is Eligible for a Booster Shot?  

In addition to children ages 5-11, COVID-19 booster shots are also available for people ages 12 and older. Here are more details:  

If you received Pfizer-BioNTech vaccinations for your first 2 shots:  

*Although mRNA vaccines are preferred, J&J/Janssen COVID-19 vaccine may be considered for booster shots in some situations.  

Where To Get Booster Shots 

Vaccinations plus first and second booster shots are available at the Unified Government Public Health Department at 619 Ann Avenue, by appointment only. Same day appointments are also available. Call (913) 573-8815 to make an appointment. That appointment number is new – please make note of it!  

If you need more information on second booster shots and who is eligible for them currently, visit WycoVaccines.org or call 3-1-1. You can find other vaccine locations by visiting vaccines.gov. Additional information about COVID-19 statistics, vaccines and testing can also be found at  WycoVaccines.org. 

Keep a Mask Handy!  

In addition to making sure you and your loved ones are up to date on vaccinations and booster shots, keep a mask handy to wear if you are indoors in an area with people you don’t live with. You can also check to see what the “COVID Community Level” is in any county across the U.S. by using this database provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/science/community-levels.html.  

• Speaking of summer fun – free spray parks are now open in Wyandotte County! These free spray parks are open for everyone’s enjoyment daily from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. until Labor Day (that’s September 5, 2022)! Find the free spray parks at these locations:
  • Eisenhower Park (behind Eisenhower Middle School), at 2901 N. 72nd Street  Heathwood Park,
  • Parallel Parkway and N. 10th Street  
  • Pierson Park at 1800 S. 55th Street 
• The UGPHD’s African American Community Forward Response is hosting ‘Dotte Day Community Fest on Saturday, June 25 at the Quindaro Community Center, located at 2726 Brown Avenue in KCK. This event features Motown tunes and a live broadcast by Hot Jamz 103.3, a free lunch, giveaways, free health screenings, job hunting assistance, free COVID testing and vaccinations and a lot more! The event runs noon to 3 p.m.
• The African American Community Forward Response also hosts community events every Monday through August 8th from 5-7 p.m. at the Quindaro Community Center. Free services including health screenings, COVID testing and vaccinations, nutritional information, family and financial planning and job training will be provided. Partner organizations include the Kansas Black Farmers Association, Reliance Credit Union, Donnelly College and Wyandotte County Workforce Partnership. For more information follow the UG Public Health Department at @UGHealthDept and click on “events”.