Free flu shots available tonight

Free flu shots will be available today for anyone older than age 7 at the McKinley Elementary School, 1301 Armstrong Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

The flu shots will be available from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 12, while supplies last.

The flu shots are sponsored by the Mid America Immunization Coalition, a program of Mother and Child Health Coalition, Walgreens and Region VII Health and Human Services.

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccinations for everyone age 6 months or older. Vaccination is especially important for people at high risk of flu complications, including: pregnant women, older adults, young children.

Flu activity most commonly peaks in the U.S. between December and February. However, seasonal flu activity can begin as early as October and continue to occur as late as May.

Both Kansas City, Mo., and Wyandotte County health departments have already had confirmed cases of both Influenza A and Influenza B this year. People are reminded that it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu. The sooner one vaccinates the better.

Sponsors are aiming to provide more than 3,000 flu vaccinations. For more information about this event and the upcoming free flu clinics contact Mother and Child Health Coalition at 816-283-6242 or online at www.mchc.net.