(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established National Influenza Week (December 1 to 7) to highlight the importance of continuing flu vaccination through the holiday season and beyond. National Influenza Week reminds us it is not too late to get your flu shot, and as long as the flu viruses are spreading and causing illness, vaccination should continue throughout the flu season, which lasts until May. 

The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) says that vaccination (flu shot) is still the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming ill with the flu. SCHD flu shots are offered at no cost to uninsured adults, uninsured children, children covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid (Aetna, Sunflower, or United Healthcare). 

Residents who qualify may visit the SCHD’s Main Clinic at 2716 W. Central in Wichita. 

Flu shots are available at SCHD by appointment (316) 660-7300 or walk-in. 

  • Appointments: Noon to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and noon to 6:30 p.m. Thursday
  • Walk-ins: 8 to 11:30 a.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday

Residents who do not qualify for flu shots at the SCHD should contact their insurance company to find out where flu shots are covered by their plans, and use the online flu vaccine finder at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/ (located at the bottom right corner of the page) to find a location near you.

Anyone can get the flu. Influenza viruses spread from person to person every year through coughing, sneezing, and close contact. Flu strikes suddenly and can last several days. Symptoms vary by age and can include fever/chills, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, headache, and runny or stuffy nose. 

There is no live virus in flu shots, and the vaccine cannot cause the flu. The SCHD and the CDC recommend a flu shot every year for everyone six months or older, unless directed by a physician. A flu shot can keep you from getting the flu, make symptoms less severe if you do become ill, and keep you from spreading the virus to your family and others, especially those unable to receive immunization.

To learn more about flu, please visit www.flu.gov. 

 

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