Free 'drive-thru' flu shot clinic Saturday at University of Kansas Hospital

KANSAS CITY, Kansas - Flu season is upon us and this weekend is your chance to get a free flu shot without ever leaving your car.

For the 18th year, The University of Kansas Hospital will provide free drive-thru flu shots for anyone 8 years or older.   The clinic will be held Saturday, October 20 from 8 to 1 p.m. at Rainbow Boulevard and Adams Street in Kansas City, Kan.  The free shots will be available until supplies run out.  Consent forms are available on the hospital website linked above.

People who want to reduce their chances of getting the flu should get vaccinated. The CDC strongly recommends vaccinations for people in these groups:

• Pregnant women
• Children younger than 5, and especially children under 2
• People 50 and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
• Healthcare workers
• Family and friends of persons at high risk for complications from the flu
• Family and caregivers of children too young to be vaccinated (younger than six months)

Although the shots are free, The University of Kansas Hospital will accept donations of non-perishable food items for Harvesters Community Food Network .

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends you get vaccinated as soon as flu vaccine is available to ensure you’re protected when flu season begins. It takes about two weeks for the vaccination to provide protection. Although flu season generally peaks between late December and early March, it can last as late as May.