Free Vaccination Center on Monday for Pertussis and Influenza

The Brookings County Pandemic Planning and Coordination Committee (PPCC) will hold a free, walk-in pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza community vaccination center, also referred to as a point of dispensing (POD), on Monday, Oct. 28. Vaccines will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. The event will run from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Brookings High School, 530 Elm Avenue. Attendees are asked to use the main west entrance.

On Oct. 23, the South Dakota Department of Health notified the Brookings County PPCC that it would receive 1,000 Tdap vaccines to dispense to Brookings County residents 11 years of age and older. The Tdap vaccine protects against tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Those eligible for the pertussis vaccine include: 

• People 11+ Years of Age: if never vaccinated with Tdap or more than 10 years since last Tdap vaccination. 
• Pregnant Individuals: be between 27 to 36 weeks gestation.

People unsure of their vaccination history can look up their immunizations on their primary care provider’s patient portal. All adults must have a valid ID or driver’s license. Children under 18 years of age who receive a vaccine must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. 

The Brookings County PPCC will also provide 500 free influenza vaccines to adults ages 18 and older. A valid ID or driver’s license is also required to receive a flu shot. 

Children younger than 10 years of age should visit their primary care provider for pertussis vaccination. Children under 18 years of age should visit their primary care provider or local pharmacy for an influenza vaccination. 

Questions regarding the community vaccination center may be directed to BrookingsCoPOD@brookingshealth.org.

About the Brookings County Pandemic Planning & Coordination Committee

The Brookings County Pandemic Planning & Coordination Committee (PPCC) is a partnership between Brookings Health System, Brookings County Emergency Management, the City of Brookings, the Brookings County Chapter of the Red Cross, South Dakota State University, Sanford Health Brookings Clinic, Avera Medical Group Brookings and the Dacotah Bank Center. The PPCC focuses on community preparedness and response in cases of natural disasters, infectious diseases and terrorism. More information and resources can be found at bereadybrookings.com.