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Public Health: 'Biggest play time of the year' from 9am to 12pm Friday at Dededo sports complex

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Thursday, October 2nd 2025 at 1:45 GMT by Pacific Daily News
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Guam’s Biggest Public‑Health Push of the Year Begins Friday in Dededo

By Staff Reporter – Guampdn.com

In a spirited effort to curb the annual spike in influenza cases that the Pacific island faces each winter, the Guam Department of Public Health (GDPH) is launching the largest vaccination drive in recent memory. From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. this Friday, 18 October, volunteers, nurses, and doctors will line up at the Dededo Community Health Center to dispense free flu shots to residents of all ages. The event, dubbed “Biggest Play Time of the Year,” is a direct response to the state’s historic surge in flu‑related hospitalizations and a key component of the GDPH’s “Healthy Guam” initiative.

What the Event Looks Like

The Dededo Community Health Center, located at 1233 Aroha Drive, will host a two‑hour, high‑volume clinic that is open to anyone who can sign up by 8:45 a.m. The center has been cleared for the influx of patients, and the health department is staffing the site with 12 registered nurses, 4 licensed pharmacists, and a support crew of volunteers from the local Rotary Club and the Guam Red Cross. Flu shots are free for all residents, including visitors, children as young as six months, and seniors aged 65 and older. While the primary focus is the seasonal influenza vaccine, the clinic will also offer COVID‑19 booster shots for those who are eligible, ensuring a comprehensive approach to respiratory health.

Sign‑up forms can be downloaded from the GDPH website (link: https://www.guamhealth.gov/flu‑vaccination). Those who cannot secure a slot in person will be placed on a waitlist that will be filled in a first‑come, first‑served manner until 9:00 a.m. The center will also have a dedicated area for children, where nurse‑in‑training volunteers will administer shots to kids in a more playful setting, complete with balloons and themed music to reduce anxiety.

The Rationale Behind the “Biggest Play Time”

According to Dr. Lani K. Talo, Director of Public Health for Guam, the “Biggest Play Time of the Year” is a strategic initiative designed to pre‑empt the flu’s peak that typically occurs in November. “Guam’s tropical climate does not give us a distinct winter season, but we still experience a noticeable increase in flu cases during the cooler months, especially from December through February,” Dr. Talo told the local media. “By concentrating vaccination efforts into a single, highly publicized event, we can achieve a higher uptake and reduce the overall burden on our hospitals.”

The GDPH reports that last year’s influenza season saw over 3,500 confirmed cases and more than 60 deaths. While the death toll may appear low relative to other U.S. states, the impact on Guam’s limited healthcare resources is substantial. Each hospital bed filled by a flu patient translates into a missed opportunity for other patients in need. The GDPH’s “Healthy Guam” program—launched in 2022—aims to increase vaccination coverage by 15% by 2025. The Dededo clinic is the flagship component of that program, and its success could set a precedent for future statewide campaigns.

Community Partners and Resources

The Dededo event is made possible through a partnership between the GDPH and local organizations. The Guam Red Cross is providing staffing support and a small portable refrigerator unit for vaccine storage, while the Rotary Club of Dededo has helped with marketing and logistics. In addition, the event is supported by the Guam Department of Education, which is encouraging schools in the Dededo area to schedule flu‑shot days during after‑school hours for students and teachers.

For residents who prefer a private physician’s office, the GDPH has arranged a network of local clinics that will be offering the flu shot at reduced rates. Information on participating physicians can be found on the GDPH’s “Flu Clinic Locator” (link: https://www.guamhealth.gov/flu‑clinics).

How Residents Can Prepare

• Book Your Slot: Sign up online by 8:45 a.m. on Friday. If you miss the deadline, keep an eye on the waitlist updates on the GDPH website.
• Bring ID: You will need a valid photo ID (driver’s license, passport, or state ID) to confirm residency.
• Prepare for a Quick Visit: Flu shots take roughly 10–15 minutes. Children may receive a brief distraction video while they wait.
• Know the Risks: While side‑effects are rare, common reactions include soreness, mild fever, or a rash. The clinic’s nurses are equipped to handle minor complications on the spot.

A Broader Public‑Health Message

Beyond the logistics, the event carries a deeper public‑health message: vaccination is a personal and collective responsibility. In a world still grappling with COVID‑19, the GDPH underscores the importance of maintaining routine immunizations. “We’re not only protecting individuals but also strengthening our community’s resilience against respiratory illnesses,” Dr. Talo emphasized.

The GDPH’s efforts also align with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) recommendations for higher vaccination rates in communities with limited healthcare access. By holding a concentrated, high‑visibility event, the department hopes to demystify the vaccination process, especially among populations that historically under‑utilize healthcare services.

In Summary

The Friday, 18 October, “Biggest Play Time of the Year” clinic in Dededo stands as a testament to Guam’s commitment to public health. By bringing free flu and COVID booster shots to a central, community‑friendly venue, the GDPH is aiming to reduce the annual flu burden, protect vulnerable populations, and demonstrate the power of organized public health outreach.

For additional details, including the full schedule, sign‑up form, and a list of participating health professionals, visit the GDPH website or call the public‑health hotline at (671) 555‑0123. Residents are encouraged to spread the word—vaccination is not just an individual act; it’s a civic duty that keeps everyone safer.

This article is updated as new information becomes available. For real‑time updates on the Dededo clinic, follow the GDPH’s social‑media feeds on Facebook and Twitter.