To be honest, I can’t think of anything LESS fun than dragging your child(ren) to the doctor’s office and getting the dreaded SHOT. We’ve all been there. For some of us, it’s actually less traumatic on the child than it is on the parent. (You know who you are!) So WHY, you might ask, am I suggesting that you take your kids for SHOTS??!?! Simply stated, getting a flu shot NOW will help them avoid the flu later. And that will make everyone HAPPY. And, we all know that enjoying KC’s wonderful kid activities is far more enjoyable with happy, healthy, flu-free children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently expanded the recommended ages for getting a flu vaccine. The current recommendation states that ALL CHILDREN OLDER THAN AGES 6 MONTHS TO 19 YEARS SHOULD GET A FLU VACCINE (2008 AND 2009 FLU SEASONS). My instincts tell me that most participants of the kid-friendly activities mentioned on this site fall into that category!
Some of you may not realize that there is an alternative to getting an actual flu shot. It’s called FluMist, and it’s a nasal spray flu vaccine. It can’t be given to everyone, and it’s best to ask your doctor or pediatrician if you or your child qualifies…but generally, those under 2 or over 50 years aren’t qualified. Also, those with medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, chronic heart or lung disease aren’t eligible. Both the flu shot and FluMist shouldn’t be given to children with egg allergies. Check with your doctor! How nice would that be to have your child inhale their flu vaccine?!?
Although not all-inclusive, I’ve put together a fairly comprehensive list of where and when to get your flu shots. PLEASE DO IT! (Many of these clinics serve only ages 9 and up. You’ll need to go to your pediatrician for the younger ones!)
Side note–flu shots typically cost between $25 and $40. If you have Medicare Part B, and are NOT a member of an HMO, your flu and even pneumonia shots will be free if you present your Medicare card. As a mom of an asthmatic, we are always first in line to get our flu shots. Although not fun…it’s a necessary part of each October. Here’s to a healthy fall and winter! Enjoy!
Overland Park/Lenexa/Shawnee, KS
- Costco, 12221 Blue Valley Parkway, 913.217.2052. 10/8, 10/16, 10/21, 10/27, 11/8 *9 and OLDER ONLY*
- The Court at Overland Park Assisted Living, 11100 Oakmont, 913.491.1144.
- Medicine Shoppe, 6232 Nieman Rd, Shawnee, 913.268.4747.
- Costco, 9350 Marshall Drive, Lenexa, 913.227.3702 10/11, 10/24, 11/4, 11/10 *9 and OLDER ONLY*
- St. Luke’s South Hospital, 12300 Metcalf, OP, 816.932.6220. *18 and OLDER ONLY*
- Overland Park Regional Medical Center, I-435 at Quivira Road, 913.541.6800. FREE FLU SHOTS!!! While supplies last, to AGES 13+. Parental consents required for those 13-17 yrs old.
- Target, Olathe 119th – 10/11, 10/12
- Target, OP 151st St – 10/18, 10/19
- Target, Blue Valley Parkway – 10/18, 10/19
- Target, Mission – 10/18, 10/19
- Target, Shawnee – 10/25, 10/26
- Target, Olathe 154th – 11/1, 11/2
- Target, Oak Park – 11/1, 11/2
Eastern Jackson County
- Bickford House, 9110 E. 63rd, Raytown, MO, 816.213.2017
- Independence Center, Hwy 291 at I-70 in Independence, MO, 816.795.8602
- Costco, 19040 E. Valley View Pkwy, Independence, MO, 816.200.2002 10/11, 10/23, 11/4, 11/11 *9 and OLDER ONLY*
- Carlyle Retirement Community, 1098 NE Independence Ave, Lee’s Summit, MO. 816.554.7274 10/10
- Target, Stadium Parkway, – 10/11, 10/12
- Target, Independence – 10/11, 10/12
- KMart, Independence – 10/18, 10/19, 11/6
- Target, Lee’s Summit – 10/25, 10/26
KCMO
- Neveda Lee Geriatric Internal Medicine, 6317 Evanston, KCMO, 816.353.3939 10/7
- Costco, 241 East Linwood, KCMO, 816.216.0002 10/23, 11/1, 11/12 *9 and OLDER ONLY*
- Hillcrest Elementary School, 106 S. Hillcrest, Belton, MO. 1-816-782-3014
- Target, 135th & State Line – 10/11, 10/12
- Target, Chouteau Trafficway – 10/18, 10/19
- Target, Ward Parkway, 11/1, 11/2
ALSO, REMEMBER TO CHECK OUT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD CVS, WALGREENS AND WALMART. ALL HAVE FLU SHOT PROGRAMS TO KEEP YOU AND YOUR KC KIDS HEALTHY THIS YEAR!
EDITED TO ADD: Note from Kate – I just found this HUGE list of flu shot clinics sponsored by the Kansas City Red Cross. Tons of locations – churches, libraries, community centers – but they’re only for adults, 16 and over. Even though they won’t immunize kids, I thought I’d throw it out there in case anyone was looking for themselves or their parents or grandparents. http://www.kcredcross.org/_FileLibrary/FileLink/2008Flu.pdf
