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Flu info 2008

The annual flu season begins in October and can continue until May.

Every year, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population gets the flu. That means at least 15 million Americans (and as many as 60 million) get sick from the flu every year, with more than 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

State health officials say the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot each year. Here are some options of where you can go to get your shot.

Stormont Vail

Individuals who have been a patient at Stormont Vail within the last five years can get a flu shot from Stormont Vail. The Cotton-O'Neil Clinic is offering a flu clinic from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. October 21, October 22 and October 23. You must be at least 19 and have had a flu shot before to take part in the clinic. Call to make an appointment at (785) 354-9591.

St. Francis

Current St. Francis Family Medicine clinic patients are asked to call to make an appointment to get the flu shot. The clinic offers three locations: 600 SW Jewell, which can be reached at (785) 295-5310; St. Francis Medicine Hunter's Ridge, 4646 NW Fielding Road, which can be reached at (785) 286-4475; and St. Francis Family Medicine Mission Woods, 2835 SW Mission Woods Drive, at (785) 271-1818.

Community Health Center Flu Clinics

Shawnee County Health Agency will be providing flu shots to established patients of SCHA’s Community Health Center. Dates for the flu clinics are from 1 to 4 p.m. October 29 and November 12. Patients who plan to receive a shot must call 368-2000, ext. 5315 to schedule an appointment. The cost for the flu shot at these clinics is $25. Those attending should remember to bring their immunization record and insurance information.

Walgreens

Walgreens will provide flu shots too. Appointments are encouraged. See the schedule below:

• 1001 SW Topeka Blvd., noon to 5 p.m. Nov. 12
• 1001 SW Gage Blvd., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 11, 2008 and daily until Dec. 15
• 2901 SE California Ave., Flu vaccines are available at this location. No appointment necessary
• 2110 NW Topeka Blvd., 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Nov. 5, 2008
• 3696 SW Topeka Blvd., noon to 5 p.m. Oct. 22; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 6 and daily until Dec. 15.
• 2915 SW Gage Blvd., noon until 5 p.m Nov. 3 and daily until Dec. 15
• 2121 SW Fairlawn Road, Flu vaccines are available at this location. No appointment necessary
• 3630 SW Wanamaker Road, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 26 and daily until Dec. 15

Tallgrass Immediate Care

Tallgrass Immediate Care will have their flu shot clinic open for three weeks, starting next week. The clinic will be open three days per week, starting on October 28 to 30 and continuing on November 4 to 6 and November 11 to 13. Hours will be from 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, and 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. Tallgrass Dr. Betsy Johns advises the elderly, children, especially those with asthma and people with chronic illnesses should get their flu shots early.

Flu shots at Shawnee Heights Schools

The Shawnee County Health Agencywill be conducting flu clinics in all Shawnee Heights schools. These clinics are voluntary and will offer the flu vaccine to USD 450 K-12 students at the following locations, times and dates:

Location	Date	Time
Shawnee Heights High	Oct. 21	11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Shawnee Heights Elementary	Oct. 23	9 to 11:30 a.m.
Tecumseh North	Oct. 23	1 to 3:30 p.m.
Tecumseh South	Oct. 24	9 to 11:30 a.m.
Shawnee Heights Middle School	Oct. 24	1 to 3:30 p.m.
Berryton	Nov. 14	9 to 11:30 a.m.

There will be no charge for children with Medicaid/Unicare/Family Health Partner cards. For all others, the cost for the flu vaccine is $20. Payment can be made in cash or check (payable to Shawnee County Health Agency).