Free flu shots offered Monday in KCK

Free flu shots will be offered from 7:30 a.m. to noon Monday, Sept. 29, at the Reardon Convention Center, 520 Minnesota Ave., Kansas City, Kan.

Sponsored by the Mid America Immunization Coalition, a program of Mother and Child Health Coalition, and other groups, this will be the first of several free flu shot clinics.

Other sponsors of the event include 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. The timing of flu is very unpredictable and can vary from season to season and 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, according to health authorities.

In 2013, this group gave out more than 900 vaccinations throughout the metro area. This year sponsors are aiming to provide more than 3,000 flu vaccinations.

Flu shots at this clinic will be available to those 7 years old and older, while supplies last.

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.