New city, Helpline effort offers easy access to COVID-19 vaccine, scheduling events
Oct. 27, 2021
Whether you’re an individual having trouble accessing a COVID-19 vaccine or a business or organization wanting to host a vaccination event, now you can call 211 and get it done.
The city Health Department is working with the Helpline Center to enhance access to vaccines.
If you’re a person, organization or business and want to partner with the Health Department to hold an on-site, home or community-based COVID-19 vaccination event for a group of people, call 211 with your request or click here.
Additionally, anyone with a barrier to access a vaccine can call 211.
“We know that most COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths now are among those who are unvaccinated,” said Dr. Charles Chima, public health director for the city of Sioux Falls. “While people can access free vaccinations at clinics and local pharmacies, we want to remove any other barriers keeping people from receiving the vaccine.”
The Helpline Center has supported the community since the start of the pandemic, serving as a central point for people to call with questions about everything from testing and vaccinations to other resources such as access to food and mental health support.
“The Helpline Center is proud to be a resource for our community,” director Janet Kittams said. “With just one free phone call, 24 hours a day, people can access a wealth of information.”
Being vaccinated can significantly reduce a person’s risk of hospitalization or death from COVID-19, the city said. In addition to getting a COVID-19 vaccine, people also should continue to focus on mitigation efforts such as good hand hygiene, wearing masks and avoiding large crowds.
“If individuals have been putting off getting the vaccine,” Chima said, “now is the time. If you are unvaccinated, you are at risk. The vaccine is safe and effective, it is free, and now we can bring it right to you.”
