Kansas Department of Health and Environment to Offer COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine to Travelers
With the increased presence of the Delta variant in Kansas, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment is partnering with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority to offer free COVID-19 testing and vaccination clinics at three Kansas Turnpike service areas. The clinics are available to both Kansans and out-of-state travelers.
"Receiving the vaccine continues to be the best way to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus," said Lee Norman, M.D., Secretary of the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. "Through this partnership with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas and the Kansas Turnpike Authority, the vaccine will be more accessible to travelers allowing for further protection for all Kansans."
The emergence of the Delta variant poses a dangerous risk to communities across Kansas. According to the Centers for the Disease Control and Prevention, the Delta variant is twice as infectious as the B.1.1.7 variant, previously the dominant strain. The new variant appears to be spreading most quickly in communities that have the lowest vaccination rates.
“At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas, we’ve worked to provide Kansans with much-needed relief during the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve covered the costs of testing and treatment of the virus and provided financial support to the healthcare and medical communities and to organizations supporting children, families and individuals who were struggling,” Matt All, BCBSKS president/CEO said. “Now, we’re extending those efforts to ensure more Kansans and visitors to our state can receive the COVID-19 vaccine to help keep our state healthy and safe. We appreciate the partnership with KDHE and the KTA to help us reach a large number of people in a short amount of time.”
Location and times include:
Lawrence Service Area (Kansas Turnpike Mile Post 209, Lawrence, Kansas)
Thursday, Aug. 12, 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 13, 7-9 a.m. and 3-5 p.m.
Topeka Service Area (Kansas Turnpike Mile Post 188, Topeka Kansas)
Thursday, Aug. 12, 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 13, 7-9 a.m., 3-5 p.m.
Matfield Green Service Area (Kansas Turnpike Mile Post 97, Cassoday, Kansas)
Thursday, Aug. 12, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 13, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.