Flu shots for free at September event in Wichita

Although summer weather lingers, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says it’s flu shot time.

Flu season generally runs from October to May, according to the CDC. Peak flu time falls between December and February.

“Even though the flu is common, people still die from it, so it’s extremely important to get a flu shot,” said Adrienne Byrne-Lutz, director of the Sedgwick County Health Department.

Last flu season, 584 Kansans died from flu or pneumonia, according to the Kansas Department of Health and Environment. And flu and pneumonia played roles in an additional 1,071 deaths.

Over the years, Byrne-Lutz said, people have started to get flu shots earlier because research shows the shots last longer than previously expected. Because of that, she said, the earlier the better.

The Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies to cover flu vaccines without any out-of-pocket charges. But some insurance providers cover only specific clinics or doctors, so it’s good to check first.

On Sept. 26 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Operation Immunization: Wichita will give away free flu shots at GraceMed, 1122 N. Topeka; the two Guadalupe Clinics, 940 S. St. Francis and 2825 S. Hillside; the HealthCore Clinic, 2707 E. 21st St.; and at the Lord’s Diner, 2825 S. Hillside.

United Way of the Plains pays for the event and the University of Kansas chapter of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists organizes it.

Robert Emerson, associate dean of the KU School of Pharmacy, said United Way bought 1,500 flu shots to give away. Emerson said they will give away leftover flu shots after the event until all the doses are used.

At other times, flu shots cost $25 at GraceMed for people not covered by health insurance. But GraceMed operates on a sliding fee scale, so patients pay relative to their income.

Emerson said it’s important for everyone to get a flu shot, but especially for people who are elderly, have a chronic illness or have compromised immune systems.

The Sedgwick County Health Department offers free vaccines for children up to 18 years old who are uninsured, underinsured or receive health insurance through the state. The health department also provides vaccines for uninsured adults 19 and older with a sliding fee based on income.

The vaccine itself is free, but the health department charges between $2 and $20.26 for administrative charges. The state pays for the 18-and-under vaccines.

Byrne-Lutz, from the Sedgwick County Health Department, said most people don’t pay the $20.26.

She said last year, the health department gave away 2,410 flu shots.

She said the department should receive part of its adult vaccine order on Monday and has slowly started to receive vaccines from the state for people 18 years old and younger.

She said everyone over six months old should get a flu shot.

To find flu shot locations nearby, visit flushot.healthmap.org. The site does not include hospitals or clinics. But the walk-in locations listed on the site include contact information and hours. Some also include out-of-pocket vaccine prices.

Evolving viruses, vaccines

Each year, scientists predict the prominent flu strains for the next season.

There are four flu strains, and the researchers target the strains they expect to be most prevalent based on flu-season history.

Last year’s flu shot was not a good match between the predicted viruses and the actual viruses that circulated. But Byrne-Lutz said last year’s poor match should not deter people from getting a shot.

“This year, hopefully, will be a much better match,” she said. “But even if it isn’t, it’s still important because it provides some coverage.”

She also said it’s impossible to contract the flu from a shot because it doesn’t contain live viruses.

People can choose to receive a shot or nasal spray and between two different doses: One covers three flu strains, and one covers four flu strains.

The three-strain dose covers H1N1, H3N2 and a Phuket virus. The four-strain dose also covers a Victoria-lineage virus from Australia.

The CDC expects manufacturers to make between 171 million and 179 million flu shots this year.

Private manufacturers make the shots and thus control the supply. Last year, the CDC estimates manufacturers distributed about 147.8 million doses.

The CDC advises vaccinations for three primary reasons: they can prevent you from getting the flu, prevent others from getting the flu and make symptoms milder if you do get the flu.

“The importance is not only for you but for others in the community,”said Susan Smith, director of nursing for GraceMed.

This story was originally published September 13, 2015 at 7:35 PM with the headline "Flu shots for free at September event in Wichita."