FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – October 20, 2008

Area health departments offer flu shots and test response capabilities

As the influenza season approaches, flu clinics are an ideal means of testing plans, clinic capabilities, and preparedness for public health emergencies. Flu shots are also the best way to protect you and those around you from the flu. Those who get vaccinated for the flu are far less likely to get sick or give it to friends, family or coworkers.

Area public health departments will be testing their ability to respond to major emergencies on Oct. 23, 2008, by cooperating and coordinating region-wide flu shot clinics. In the event of an outbreak or terrorist attack, many agencies will need to be able to work together and set up multiple clinics on short notice to help as many people as possible. This is the first time all of the area health departments and many area health care providers are collaborating on such a comprehensive event.

Prices, participation, and hours of each clinic vary by jurisdiction. Go to www.preparemetrokc.org/be_prepared/flushotclinics.asp for full clinic details, or see below for the clinic closest to you.

Cass County, Mo. Health Department
Location:          Recreation Park
                       1011 S. Madison Street
                        Raymore, MO 64083
Type:                drive-thru clinic
Hours:              11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Insurance?        No
Ages:               18 and older
Questions?       (816) 380-8441

Clay County, Mo. Health Department
Location:          Pleasant Valley Baptist Church  
                       1600 N. 291 Highway
                       Liberty, MO 64068
Type:               walk-in clinic
Hours:             11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.,
Insurance?       Medicare Part B or Missouri Medicaid for those who are eligible and show proof of coverage
Ages:              six months and older
Questions?      (816) 595-4355

City of Independence, Mo. Health Department
Location:          Adventure Oasis Water Park
                       2100 Hub Drive
                       Independence, MO 64057
Type:               drive-thru clinic
Hours:             11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Insurance?       Only Medicare Part B
Ages:              18 and older
Questions?      (816) 325-7185

Jackson County, Mo. Health Department/Kansas City, Mo. Health Department
Location:          Truman Sports Complex – Parking Lot L – Gates 2 & 3
                        Kansas City, MO (Blue Ridge Cut-Off  south of  I-70)
                           (operated in conjunction with the KCMO Health Department)
Type:                drive-thru clinic
Hours:              11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Insurance?        Medicare Part A or B or Missouri Medicaid for those who are eligible and show proof of coverage
Ages:               Three years and older
Questions?       (816) 404-6415

Johnson County, Ks. Health Department
Location:          Old Shawnee Town Hall
                       11600 Johnson Drive
                       Shawnee, KS 66203
Type:               walk-in clinic
Hours:             9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. (while supplies last)
Insurance?       None needed
Ages:              Two years and older
Questions?      (913) 826-1263
               
City of Kansas City, Mo. Health Department
Site 1:              Kansas City Missouri Health Department
                       2400 Troost, Kansas City, MO, 64108
                       walk-in clinic

Site 2:               Hillcrest Community Center
                        10401 Hillcrest, Kansas City, MO 64134
                        (operated in conjunction with Clinton/Caldwell counties)
                        drive-thru clinic (weather permitting)
Hours:              11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Insurance?        Medicare Part A or B or Missouri Medicaid for those who are eligible and show proof of coverage
Ages:               three years and older
Questions?       (816) 513-6008


Leavenworth County, Ks. Health Department
Location:          10th Avenue Park
                        Leavenworth, KS (across from Warren Middle School)
Type:                drive-thru clinic
Hours:              9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Insurance:         Medicare Part B or Medicaid
Ages:               18 years and older
Questions?       (913) 250-2000

Platte County, Mo. Health Department/Kansas City, Mo. Health Department
Location:          Northwest Bible Church
                        6520 NW 64th Street, Kansas City, MO 64151
                        (operated in conjunction with the KCMO Health Department)

Type:                drive-thru clinic (weather permitting)
Hours:              11:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Insurance?        Medicare Part A or B or Missouri Medicaid for those who are eligible and show proof of coverage
Ages:               Three years and older
Questions?       (816) 858-2412

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