Community leaders to take part in public kickoff as Super Shot offers free vaccinations
Fort Wayne residents will have a chance to get a free influenza vaccination Friday as community partners gather to launch a local push aimed at increasing seasonal vaccine coverage. The “Be a Flu Fighter” campaign begins at 11 a.m. at the Lincoln Financial Event Center at Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St., with public vaccinations available from noon to 3 p.m.
Organizers said the event will include remarks from Super Shot Executive Director Connie Heflin and representatives of local partners, including a vice president from the Indiana Michigan Power Foundation. The city’s mayor and other community leaders are scheduled to participate in the public kickoff and are expected to receive vaccinations as part of the event.
Super Shot anticipates on-site vaccination capacity supported by 10 vaccinators and hopes hundreds will take advantage of the opportunity. The vaccines are available at no cost to anyone aged 6 months and older. Residents with insurance are asked to show their insurance card; organizers say billing insurers helps pay for vaccinations for uninsured community members.
"We will see as many people as show up," Heflin said, describing the organization’s approach to serving demand during the event.
Why this matters locally
Public-health officials nationwide encourage annual flu vaccination to reduce severe illness and hospitalizations. Locally, the challenge is clear: Super Shot says Allen County’s current flu vaccination coverage sits at about 26% of residents aged 6 months and older — well below the federal Healthy People 2030 target of 70% coverage.
Low uptake locally means a larger proportion of residents remain vulnerable during the fall and winter respiratory season. Groups at highest risk for complications — including residents 65 and older and those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease — are particularly dependent on broader community coverage to reduce transmission and protect healthcare capacity.
Event details and incentives
- Kickoff: 11 a.m., Lincoln Financial Event Center at Parkview Field, 1301 Ewing St.
- Vaccinations available: 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
- Who: Anyone aged 6 months and older
- Cost: Free; insurance cards requested if available
- Extras: Free hot dog lunch for vaccinated participants and photo opportunities with Johnny TinCap
Super Shot, which has administered more than 800,000 childhood and adult vaccinations over its 35-plus years, said the local campaign is part of broader efforts to remove barriers to vaccination and advance the national goal for seasonal flu coverage.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| On-site vaccinators | 10 |
| Eligibility | Ages 6 months and older |
| Typical local coverage | ~26% of Allen County residents |
| Federal target (Healthy People 2030) | 70% |
Local context and next steps
Organizers emphasized convenience and community outreach as central to the campaign. In addition to providing no-cost vaccinations during the kickoff event, the program uses partnerships with local organizations to reach households that may lack regular access to preventive care.
The public event includes family-friendly components to attract a broad audience: a hot dog lunch for vaccinated attendees and activities such as mascot photo opportunities with Johnny TinCap. Organizers hope these elements encourage attendance and translate into higher vaccination rates as the flu season progresses.
For Fort Wayne residents, the campaign represents a focused push to close the gap between current local coverage and national goals. Increasing vaccination rates can help limit the number of severe flu cases and ease pressure on hospitals and clinics during the winter respiratory season.
Super Shot officials did not give a target number of vaccinations for the kickoff, but say they will serve as many people as show up. Residents seeking more information about the event or future vaccination opportunities can contact Super Shot directly or watch announcements from local partners.
Providing an easily accessible, no-cost option for influenza vaccination is a key strategy organizers are using to protect the most vulnerable Fort Wayne residents and to move the community closer to national coverage targets.
