FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Oct. 4, 2006

Flu shots available Oct. 11

The City of Kansas City, Mo., Health Department is holding this season's first flu shot clinic at Bannister Mall, located at 5600 Bannister Road, on Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. People attending this clinic are asked to use the northwest entrance by the food court. This clinic is for adults only.

The Health Department will bill Medicare or Missouri Medicaid for those who are eligible and show proof of coverage. People not eligible for these programs will be charged $20; cash and credit cards only will be accepted for payment.

Influenza kills approximately 36,000 people in the United States each year. Getting a flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those with whom you come in contact.

After being infected with the flu virus, a person can infect others up to one day before showing symptoms. After getting sick, infected people can infect others for up to five days. Because it takes approximately two weeks for a flu shot to be fully effective, it is important for people to get their flu shots early, before being exposed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is predicting that there is a sufficient supply of flu vaccine available this year. The public is encouraged to take advantage of the ample supply of flu vaccine and do their part to keep the Kansas City metropolitan area safe and healthy by getting flu shots early.