(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – The Sedgwick County Health Department (SCHD) reminds you that an influenza vaccination (flu shot) continues to be the best way to protect you and your family from becoming ill with the flu. Flu shots are available at SCHD and local clinics.

At SCHD, flu shots are available to uninsured adults, uninsured children, children covered under the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and Medicaid (Aetna Better Health, Sunflower, or United Healthcare). Flu shots are available by appointment only. Call(316) 660-7300 for SCHD’s Main Clinic, 2716 W. Central in Wichita and call (316) 660-7333 for one of our mobile locations.

SCHD Main Clinic Hours:

• Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Thursday: Noon to 6:30 p.m.

Mobile Vaccination Clinic Hours at Wichita locations:  

• Monday: Bethel Life Center, 3777 S. Meridian Ave., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Tuesday: Satellite Health Department, 1131 S. Clifton, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Wednesday: Health Department, 1900 E. 9th St. N., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
• Thursday: Evergreen Rec Center, 2700 N. Woodland St., 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

For uninsured children, please provide proof of income at the time of appointment to receive a discounted rate.

For children and adults with private medical insurance, please visit one of the following locations for a flu shot: CVS, Dillon’s, Walgreens, Walmart, your primary care provider.

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.cdc.gov/flu.

-end-