By BECKY KISER
Hays Post

If you are six months of age or older, you should get a flu shot.

That’s the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu, a serious disease which can kill people.

Free flu shots will once again be available to local residents Sunday, Oct. 25, courtesy of the HaysMed Foundation.

HaysMed pharmacist James Meier, who is also a Hays City commissioner, said he “knows a lot of hospitals and pharmacists throughout the state, and I can tell you there is no other community in the state of Kansas that does this.”

“It’s a great thing that the HaysMed Foundation does. It’s a great benefit to the community,” Meier said.

Mayor Eber Phelps said he’s participated in the drive-through flu clinic each year since it started. “Traffic used to get backed up on Canterbury Drive. Now, they have it down to an art. You’re literally constantly moving as you snake through the hospital parking lot, and are out of there in minutes.”

“It’s a wonderful program,” Phelps agreed.

There will be 5,000 flu shots available at the annual drive-through clinic which runs from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at HaysMed. Participants should wear a short-sleeved shirt, and drive into the hospital’s north entrance at 2220 Canterbury Drive.

“Last year, they also purchased 5,000 shots,” Meier recalled.

“All the people who will be out there–giving the flu shots, organizing the lines, setting up everything so people can drive through, drawing up the shots and putting the syringes on–they all do that for free. The hospital isn’t paying them to be out there,” he added.

Participants are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Community Assistance Center.