KU Hospital provides free flu shots on Halloween

The University of Kansas Hospital will host its 15th annual Drive-Thru Flu Shot event on Saturday, Oct. 31.

The event is an effort to provide free flu shots to those 18 years and older. This shot is for the seasonal flu and not the H1N1 flu virus.

Those at high risk of contracting influenza are recommended to get the flu shot. This includes people age 50 and older and those with heart problems, lung or kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, cancer, HIV infection, and any illness or treatment that weakens the immune system. Those who care for or live with someone with these medical conditions are also recommended to receive the shot.

Not all people should receive the vaccine, however. This includes people who have egg allergies or have ever been paralyzed with Guillian Barre Syndrome. People with a cold or fever should wait until they have recovered and women who are pregnant should check with their health care providers before getting the vaccine.

“Late October to early November is the best time of year for a flu vaccination,” said William Barkman, MD, pulmonary and critical care specialist and chief of staff at KU Hospital. “Since the body’s 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 event, which is from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the parking lot east of 36th Street and Rainbow Boulevard in Kansas City, Kan. Although the flu shots are free, the hospital will accept donations and non-perishable food items for Harvesters Community Food Network.

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