KANSAS CITY, Kan. - The University of Kansas Hospital is offering free flu shots Saturday morning. This will be the fifteenth year for their drive-through clinic, but this year the clinic has moved to a new spot.
The clinic starts at 8:00 a.m. in the parking lot just eas of 36th and Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kansas.
Officials stress this is not an H1N1 virus vaccination clinic. This flu shot is for the seasonal flu. They say an annual seasonal flu shot is recommended for anyone at high risk for the flu including people over 50, those with heart problems, lung or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, HIV infection and any illness or treatment that weakens the immune system.
Medical professionals also recommend vaccinations for those who care for or live with someone with these high-risk medical conditions. People who should not receive the vaccine include those who have an allergy to eggs (used to make the vaccine) and anyone who has ever been paralyzed with Guillian Barre Syndrome. People who have a cold or fever should wait until they have recovered. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should check with their health care provider.
"Late October to early November is the best time of year for a flu vaccination," says to William Barkman, M.D., pulmonary and critical care specialist and chief of staff at KU Hospital. "Since the bodys immune system takes time to respond to vaccine, it should be given one to two weeks before the flu season begins in order to stimulate enough antibodies to prevent infection."
No appointment is necessary for the free flu shot event. Anyone 18 and over is eligible for the vaccination. Those under 18 should see their primary care physician. Although the flu shots are free, the hospital will accept donations and non-perishable food items for Harvesters, the Community Food Network, at the Drive-Thru event.
