Planifica con anticipación, mantente saludable: Más opciones de vacunas contra la gripe que nunca.

For generations, community members have counted on an annual flu vaccine to help protect themselves, their families, and their neighbors during flu season. Today, getting vaccinated is easier and more convenient than ever before.

With flu vaccines available through local pharmacies, the Ellis County Health Department, HaysMed Family Medicine, HaysMed Pediatrics, HaysMed Internal Medicine (Medical Specialists), and many routine healthcare visits, community members have more convenient options than ever to protect themselves from the flu. Recent years have seen expanded access through these locations allowing community members to choose the option that best fits their schedule and healthcare needs.

As access to flu vaccines has expanded throughout the region, HaysMed is celebrating the remarkable legacy of one of the community’s longest-running, proactive public health initiatives.

A Legacy of Community Health

From 2000 through 2025, the HaysMed Foundation’s free community flu vaccination program helped thousands of individuals protect themselves against seasonal influenza. What began as a way to improve access to preventive healthcare became one of the most successful public health outreach efforts in the region.

Over those 26 years:

• More than 70,000 flu vaccines were administered.
• Nearly $950,000 was invested by the HaysMed Foundation.
• Thousands of volunteer hours were donated.
• Hundreds of nurses, students, and HaysMed volunteers participated in making the event possible.

The impact of the program extended far beyond a single day each year. It represented a longstanding commitment by donors, volunteers, and healthcare professionals to improve the health of western Kansas.

“Twenty-six years ago, this program filled an important need for our community. Today, we’re fortunate to have more vaccination opportunities than ever before,” said Jeffrey Brull, HaysMed Foundation Executive Director. “Looking back, we are incredibly proud of the more than 70,000 vaccines provided and the nearly $1 million invested in helping keep our community healthy.”

More than 150 volunteer hours were needed annually to operate the event. HaysMed Associates generously volunteered their Sunday mornings to direct traffic, assist with registration, distribute paperwork, support participants, setup and teardown, and ensure the event ran smoothly regardless of the unpredictable western Kansas weather.

The program also relied on nurses from HaysMed, as well as nursing students from Fort Hays State University and Fort Hays Tech, who volunteered their time to administer vaccines and support community health efforts.

Responding to a Changing Healthcare Environment

When the flu vaccination program began, large community vaccination events filled an important healthcare need. Over time, however, flu vaccines became available through more healthcare providers, retail pharmacies, and public health agencies.

As access expanded, participation in the community event declined. Nearly 4,000 annual vaccinations were administered at the height of the program’s popularity while recent years have shown significantly lower participation levels vaccines have become increasingly available through pharmacies and other providers.

Even as HaysMed explored new formats to continue the service, community vaccination options continued to grow, giving residents multiple opportunities throughout flu season to receive their annual vaccine.

“The most important message is that getting an annual flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family,” said Regina Borthwick, HaysMed Infection Control Director. “Whether it’s through your primary care provider, pediatrician, local pharmacy, or the Ellis County Health Department, there are now more convenient opportunities than ever to receive your flu vaccine.”

Where to Get Your Flu Vaccine

Community members are encouraged to plan ahead and schedule their flu vaccination early in the season through one of the many available options, which may include:

• Local pharmacies
• The Ellis County Health Department
• Medicina Familiar de HaysMed proveedores
• HaysMed Pediatric clinic
• HaysMed Internal Medicine (Medical Specialists) clinic
• Annual wellness appointments
• Other participating healthcare providers

Availability, eligibility, and insurance coverage may vary by location. Individuals should contact their provider or insurance company for specific information.

Plan early. Stay healthy. Protect yourself and those around you by getting your annual flu vaccine.