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Goodhue Public Health Vaccine Clinics

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  Published in Health and Fitness on Tuesday, October 7th 2025 at 15:33 GMT by Southern Minn
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Goodhue County Residents Get a Convenient “Vaccine Drop‑In” Drive to Keep the Community Safe

A new series of “drop‑in” vaccine clinics launched by the Goodhue County Public Health Department is designed to bring COVID‑19 shots, flu shots and other recommended vaccines right into the heart of the county. According to a May 2024 article in The Kenyon Leader, the county’s public‑health office is rolling out a flexible schedule that makes it easier than ever for residents of all ages to get vaccinated without having to book an appointment in advance.

1. Why the County is Re‑opening Vaccine Clinics

The article opens with an explanation of the public‑health rationale behind the clinics. After the state‑wide “stay‑home” order lifted in the spring, many residents, especially seniors, parents with young children, and people with chronic illnesses, had missed out on the most recent booster or flu shot. County officials note that the latest COVID‑19 variants—Omicron BA.5 and sub‑variants—continue to spread, and the CDC recommends a booster for anyone older than 18, as well as a first dose for children 5‑12 who have not yet been vaccinated.

“We’re trying to close the gap between people who can’t get to a clinic or have to take time off work and the vaccines that are proven to keep us safe,” says Dr. Tara Smith, director of the Goodhue County Public Health Office. “These drop‑in clinics allow residents to come by, get checked, and get a shot in a matter of minutes.”

2. Where and When the Clinics Are Happening

The county has partnered with several community locations—high schools, churches, grocery stores, and even a local senior center—to host the vaccination sites. The schedule runs from Monday through Saturday, with most sites open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The article lists specific addresses:

The article emphasizes that the clinics are open to all residents, regardless of insurance status or zip code. The county’s public‑health office guarantees free vaccination, with no need for prior registration. If you prefer to schedule ahead, the county’s website offers a quick “Book a Vaccination” form.

3. Types of Vaccines Available

While COVID‑19 boosters are the headline offering, the clinics also provide:

• Influenza shots – the county’s first dose of the seasonal flu vaccine for adults 18+ and a second dose for children 6‑12.
• COVID‑19 mRNA boosters – for adults 18+, children 12‑15 (if they have a pending booster) and a first dose for kids 5‑11.
• Hepatitis A & B shots – for people with chronic liver disease, travelers, or those with a risk factor.
• Tdap/Tdap booster – for adults who haven’t had a tetanus booster in the last 10 years.

The article cites a link to the CDC’s Vaccine Information Statements (VIS) for each of these shots, encouraging parents and seniors to read up on side‑effects and efficacy before they get vaccinated.

4. How the Clinics Operate – From Arrival to Departure

To keep the flow smooth, each location follows a simple “check‑in, wait, vaccinate” process. Visitors must:

1. Check‑in at the front desk, providing name, date of birth and, if available, a photo ID (the office accepts driver’s license, state ID or passport).
2. Wait in a designated area while the staff checks for any contraindications.
3. Receive the shot from a registered nurse or physician assistant.
4. Stay for 15–20 minutes for post‑vaccination observation to monitor for allergic reactions.

A “Vaccine Buddy” system is in place; staff will call you to your vehicle or a waiting area as soon as your turn is up. The article highlights that the county’s nurse practitioner, Melissa Ortiz, has been a “go‑to” figure for community outreach, having led over 5,000 vaccinations in the last year.

5. Addressing Common Concerns

The article addresses several common questions and concerns:

• Safety: “All vaccines we administer meet CDC and FDA standards,” explains Dr. Smith.
• Side‑effects: “You may feel a mild sore arm, a slight fever or fatigue, but these resolve within a day or two.”
• Eligibility: “Everyone 5 and older can receive a COVID‑19 booster. For the first dose, kids 5‑11 must be eligible.”
• Insurance: “The county will cover all out‑of‑pocket costs. No copays or deductibles.”

The article includes a graphic from the Goodhue County Public Health Office’s website summarizing these points, and a short FAQ section that can be accessed by clicking “FAQ” at the top of the page.

6. How to Get Informed Further

At the bottom of the article, the writer provides direct links to:

• Goodhue County Public Health’s COVID‑19 Vaccine Calendar – for real‑time updates on clinic locations and times.
• CDC’s COVID‑19 Vaccination Guidance – a page that explains eligibility, recommended boosters, and side‑effects.
• The County’s Health Department Contact Page – a form to request more information or to schedule a private appointment if needed.

These links allow residents to stay in the loop, especially if they need to shift clinic days due to work or school.

7. The Impact – A Community‑Driven Success

A brief anecdote in the article quotes an elderly resident, Mary L., 78, who says, “I’ve been waiting for a chance to get a booster and I couldn’t have imagined this being so easy. I just walked in, got my shot and left. It’s a relief.” Her sentiment is echoed by several other community members, many of whom had been hesitant or lacked transportation to a larger hospital.

The article closes with a call to action: “If you haven’t yet been vaccinated or boosted, consider dropping by one of our free clinics. It’s quick, easy, and safe. Let’s keep our neighborhoods healthy.”

8. Bottom‑Line Takeaway

Goodhue County’s rollout of free, drop‑in vaccine clinics is a clear effort to maintain public health during an evolving pandemic. The county’s multi‑site approach—using schools, churches and community centers—makes it possible for residents to get essential vaccinations without the barrier of appointment‑setting. In a region that has seen both COVID‑19 and flu surges, the initiative is timely, accessible and fully supported by local public‑health leadership.

For residents looking to stay protected, the article provides a practical roadmap: check the clinic calendar, find your nearest site, bring ID, and head in for a quick visit. The public‑health office’s willingness to host these clinics—complete with vaccine information, easy scheduling and clear safety guidelines—underscores the county’s commitment to the well‑being of every resident.