KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City, Missouri, Health Department is encouraging people to get their flu shots before the end of October.
The department is administering flu shots at 2400 Troost Ave. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., and Thursdays from 8 a.m. to noon.
A recent survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases shows about 60 percent of Americans agreed the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent getting it, but only 52 percent said they plan on getting it.
Of those who do not plan on getting the shot, 51 percent said they do not think flu vaccines work. Another 34 percent worry about side effects, and 22 percent worry about getting the flu from the vaccine.
Jelene Wyne, Public Health Nurse Supervisor for the Kansas City, Missouri Health Department, said vaccinations are available for everyone 6 months and older.
Wyne said those who can get them, should get them to protect those who can't.
"You have infants from two to six months that cannot be vaccinated and then also you have to look at others who are immuno-compromised and cannot get the the vaccine for whatever reason," she said.
Wyne said there is a sweet spot of time when someone should get their shot.
"The Centers for Disease Control recommends that you're vaccinated before the end of October," Wyne said.
The CDC decides what to compose the yearly vaccine of by reviewing previous years and researching which influenza viruses are causing the most illness. It also looks at how well the previous season's vaccine protected against viruses.
Kansas City resident Rodney Giebel said he supports getting the flu shot.
"I think it's a good practice," Giebel said. "I think they help, and I want to raise my immunity level."
No appointment is necessary to receive a flu shot.
