Protect Against This Winter's Tripledemic

Published on December 20, 2022

The Unified Government Public Health Department (UGPHD) is providing updates on how people can protect themselves from this winter’s “tripledemic” – as cases of COVID-19, the flu and RSV continue to surge in many parts of the country.

The first, best way to prevent serious illness, hospitalization or death from flu and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Vaccines for both flu and COVID-19 are available for most people ages 6 months and older*.  

Flu and COVID-19 vaccinations and updated COVID-19 booster shots are available at the UGPHD clinic, located at 619 Ann Ave, Kansas City, KS, 66101. Vaccines and boosters are available at the UGPHD by appointment only – just call 913-573-8815 to make an appointment. You can also search for COVID and flu vaccine providers near you at vaccines.gov.

*Most people ages 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. However, people with severe, life-threatening allergies to any ingredient in a flu vaccine (other than egg proteins) should not get that vaccine. Schedule your flu vaccine by calling UGPHD at 913-573-8815.  

Health Experts Recommend Wearing Masks 

The CDC recommends that everyone wear masks as another important way to reduce the spread of COVID-19, the flu or RSV in our community. This is especially important for those over 65 years of age and anyone who faces a heightened risk of getting severely ill from a respiratory infection, such as people with weak immune systems. The CDC also recommends masks for anyone traveling on a plane, bus, train, or other public transportation. 

Get Free At-Home COVID Tests  

Beginning this week, the federal government is making free at-home COVID tests available once more. As of today, all U.S. households can order a total of four at-home COVID-19 tests that will be mailed directly to you for free. Orders will begin shipping this week. You can order tests online at www.COVIDTests.gov. If you don’t have access to a computer or need more assistance placing your order, call 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489) to get help in English, Spanish, and more than 150 other languages – 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. E.T., Monday to Friday and 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. E.T. on weekends. For more information, people can visit www.COVIDTests.gov.  

Free At-Home COVID Tests Available in Wyandotte County

In addition to the federal government program, you can also get free at-home COVID tests at these locations in Wyandotte County, while supplies last: