Molina Healthcare partners with UOP and Kroger Health to offer free flu shots in Dearborn

Molina Healthcare of Michigan, United Outstanding Physicians (UOP), a physician organization comprised of nearly 1,000 independent private practice physicians across Southeast Michigan, and Kroger Health, the healthcare division of the Kroger Co., recently partnered to host a free influenza immunization event for the city of Dearborn and surrounding communities.

The drive-thru and walk-in event was located at the UOP Office at 18800 Hubbard Drive, Suite 200 in Dearborn. Participants had the option to drive-thru or walk-in to receive their flu shot. Masks were required for anyone participating in the flu vaccination clinic.

This clinic was for insured and uninsured adults, individuals 18 years of age and older and children, and was part of an ongoing initiative to provide preventative and specialty medical care to uninsured and underinsured populations. No appointment was necessary to participate.

Individuals who received their flu shot received a complimentary “Warm All Winter” tote with a blanket, hand sanitizer, socks, tissues, hand warmers, and a mask. Attendees also received health education literature such as the importance of an annual check-up with their health care provide and dental hygiene.

“Molina Healthcare is committed to increasing community access to flu vaccines during this critical time.” said Heidi McGlinnen, associate vice president of community engagement for Molina Healthcare of Michigan.

As one of the largest Physician Organizations, UOP has made an effort to work closely with key partners such as Molina Healthcare and Kroger Health to execute events that are accessible to the public. Further, during this event, there were numerous vaccinations available to patients, including but not limited to: Pneumococcal vaccination, Shingles vaccination, Childhood immunizations and etc.

“UOP is determined to ensure our patients needs remain as our number one priority. Our physicians have worked diligently through the COVID-19 pandemic to remain available to our patients and their healthcare needs” said Dr. Yasser Hammoud, president/CEO and Medical Director.

Influenza is a leading cause of death for individuals with prolonged illnesses and diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says getting a flu immunization during the 2020-2021 influenza season, is more important than ever to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community from the flu. Flu vaccinations are part of a comprehensive public health strategy to reduce the amount of cases of influenza, and to preserve health care resources for the care of patients with COVID-19.

According to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), nearly 2.4 million Michiganders have gotten their flu vaccine this season, putting the state more than halfway towards its goal of 4.2 million flu vaccinations.

Staying up-to-date with vaccinations is essential to preventing illness, and children will need to meet all vaccination requirements when in-person learning resumes. “At Kroger Health, we are committed to helping people live healthier lives. We have been working diligently to protect our communities from the flu especially as we continue to face the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not too late to get the flu vaccine. Kroger pharmacy makes it easy and convenient for everyone age three years and older to get the flu vaccine. Our team of professional pharmacists are available to administer the flu vaccine in all of our Kroger pharmacy locations seven days a week.”

To find a flu vaccine location visit Michigan.gov/flu.

This article originally appeared in Press & Guide, read more here.