From Star Press-
Residents in Dunkirk, Montpelier, Muncie, New Castle, Portland and Richmond will have access to free flu vaccinations during Meridian Health Services’ Flu-Lapalooza event from 1 to 5 p.m. Oct. 8 while supplies last.
According to a community announcement, shots are available to anyone 6 months and older, regardless of insurance status, and participants do not need to be current Meridian patients. Walk-ins are welcome.
Meridian Health Services will host Flu-Lapalooza, a free one-day flu shot clinic, on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2026, from 1 to 5 p.m., or until supplies last, at Meridian locations throughout Indiana, including Dunkirk, Montpelier, Muncie, New Castle, Portland and Richmond.
In East Central Indiana, participating locations include:
- Dunkirk: MeridianMD, 1150 S. Main St.
- Montpelier: MeridianMD, 123 Main St.
- Muncie: Meridian Health Pediatrics, 205 N. Tillotson Ave.
- New Castle: Meridian Health Services, 930 N. 14th St.
- Portland: MeridianMD, 406 W. Votaw St.
- Richmond: MeridianMD, 520 S. 9th St. and 2300 Chester Blvd.
Each participating location will also offer attendees a chance to win a $50 grocery gift card.
Free flu shots available without insurance
Meridian said Flu-Lapalooza is designed to increase access to seasonal flu vaccinations. No insurance is required, there are no out-of-pocket costs and residents do not need to be established patients to receive the vaccine.
The flu shot offered during the event will be Fluarix, a standard-dose influenza vaccine.
Health officials have long recommended annual flu vaccination as a way to reduce illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths associated with seasonal influenza.
Additional Indiana locations participating
Other participating Meridian locations are in Anderson, Bluffton, Connersville, Fort Wayne, Frankfort, Indianapolis, Lafayette, Marion, Markle, Mooresville, Ossian, Peru, Rushville and Russiaville.
Residents can learn more about the event at MeridianHS.org.
Sponsors support statewide vaccination event
Flu-Lapalooza is supported by presenting sponsor Indiana Michigan Power Foundation and presenting media sponsor G101.3.
Additional sponsors include Ball Brothers Foundation, Madison County Community Foundation, Whitewater Valley REMC, USI Insurance, United Healthcare, Pridemark Construction, Muncie Office City, Midas, LifeStream Services, Hoosier Park Racing & Casino, NASH FM, Kicks96, 101.7 The Point, WILO Community Radio, Journal & Courier Local IQ, Pal-Item Local IQ, Clinton County Daily News, 104.1 WLBC, WAZY 96.5, Indy Star Local IQ, J-Country Radio, Federated Media and others, according to the announcement.
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