The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department has scheduled three community flu vaccination clinics. They will be:
- Tuesday, Oct. 17 — 4-6 p.m., Eudora City Hall, 4 E. Seventh St., Eudora.
- Thursday, Nov. 2 — 3:30-5:45 p.m., Lawrence Public Library, 707 Vermont St., Lawrence.
- Wednesday, Nov. 8 — 4-6 p.m. Baldwin City Public Library, 800 Seventh St., Baldwin City.
Participants should bring health insurance information or cash, credit card or check. The flu shot is:
- $28 for children ages 6 months to 35 months.
- $35 for individuals 3 years and older.
- $62 for the high-dose vaccine for individuals 65 years and older.
The Health Department recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older should get a yearly flu vaccine. Getting the vaccination is the most effective way to avoid getting the flu, a contagious respiratory illness.
Influenza can cause mild to severe symptoms and can lead to hospitalizations and death. During the 2016-17 flu season, influenza was a contributing factor or directly caused 1,205 deaths in Kansas, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. Those most at-risk are infants and young children, older adults and pregnant women; however, flu is unpredictable and even healthy children and adults can get flu.
Clinic Supervisor Kathy Colson said it’s not only important to get vaccinated to protect yourself, but also your family, friends, co-workers and neighbors. “People can be infected with the flu virus and not be showing symptoms. During this time, those persons may still spread the virus to others.”