Need a COVID-19 vaccine shot? You’ll be able to get it at the Waukesha County Fair. – Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

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It's all about the fun, the food and, for this fair,the vaccine.

It may not be a gut-twisting treat like cotton candy or corn dogs, but a special Waukesha County Fair booth hopes to do more than prevent a tummy ache by providing a free COVID-19 vaccination service daily during the event, from July 21-25.

Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin and Project Recovery are sponsoring the booth, in which Village Primary Care Providerswill perform vaccinationservices and Waukesha County Public Healthwillbe there to answer questions about the coronavirus vaccinesand other aspects ofits health services.

Phoebe Frenette, crisis counselor and team leader with the CAC's regional group, said the fair provides the perfect gathering place to make a push for additional vaccinations, with the help of qualified professionals, including three nurses.

"When Ireached out to the Waukesha County Health Department, vaccine coordinator Trevor Drulia had identified the Waukesha County Fair as great event opportunity to provide vaccines," said Frenette, serving as the Waukesha coordinator. "CACSCW coordinated between the health department and Village Primary Care Providers, who are providing the vaccine and nurse staffing for vaccination."

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According to state and county data, the coronavirus pandemic has markedly deceased from this time last year, but new cases continue to force health officials to keep a watchful eye.Waukesha County has averaged 8.29 new cases daily over the past week (as of July 14).

Data also indicates that about 56%of Waukesha County residents have received at least one dose and about 53%have completed the current vaccination series as of mid-July. Both sets of numbers were about 10%higher for adults.

Both the Johnson & Johnson single-dose and the Moderna two-dose vaccines were expected to be available at the county fair. For those receiving the Moderna vaccine,Village Primary Care Providerswill schedule the follow-up second shot at their clinic, also for free.

Frenette wasn't immediately certain how much of each will be on hand for the daily vaccination schedule, which ranges from four to six hours. But they will try to accommodate everyone.

"Because (Village Primary Care Providers) provide a sizable amount of vaccine for the community, they are also able to flex and bring more staff and vaccine if the demand is high," she said. "We are very much hoping for a lot of interest and participation."

The vaccines are available for anyone age 12 or older, though those younger than 18 will need parental approval.

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The outdoor booth will be in Section C (north of the area) of the Waukesha County Expo Center fairgrounds, 1000 Northview Road, Waukesha.The vaccine clinic hours will be from noon to 4 p.m. July 21 and 22, noon to 5 p.m. July 23, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 25 and 26.

While the vaccinations won't cost participants anything, the service is meant for those attending the fair at the usual paid admission costs.

Project Recovery a statewide, FEMA-funded crisis counseling program thathelps Wisconsin individuals, familiesand communities who are impacted by COVID-19 will also include representatives at the fair to offer information and help to anyone who needs it. Project Recovery is a part of the Community Action Coalition for South-Central Wisconsin,an anti-poverty organization.

Village Primary Care Providers, based in the Moreland Medical Center complex on Delafield Street and Moreland Boulevard in Waukesha, is the professional group that has contracted with the county to perform coronavirus tests and vaccinations over the past year.

Contact Jim Riccioli at (262) 446-6635 or james.riccioli@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @jariccioli.

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Need a COVID-19 vaccine shot? You'll be able to get it at the Waukesha County Fair. - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel