Hennepin clinics

Hennepin County residents who don't have insurance that covers immunization can be immunized free of charge at public clinics throughout December.

The Hennepin County Community Health Department will offer two clinics at the Health Services Building in Minneapolis as well as other locations in the county.

"Public immunization clinics, we believe, are a core public health function," said Joanne Monson, a public health nurse for the department.

She said many people have medical insurance that doesn't cover preventive care like immunizations.

Nine types of immunizations will be offered, including tetanus, mumps, measles and polio. Chickenpox and Hepatitis B vaccines will be offered by appointment only.

The clinics request people participating bring their Social Security numbers, medical insurance and immunization records.

A $5 donation is requested for each vaccine, but Monson said the clinics won't turn anyone away.

"We don't want to put up barriers for people wanting to get the immunizations," she said.

Amber Foley covers science and technology and welcomes comments at afoley@daily.umn.edu. She can also be reached at (612) 627-4070 x3213.