Pharmacy students to administer free seasonal flu shots in Wichita


LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy is teaming up with the United Way of the Plains to provide 1,000 flu vaccines Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Guadalupe Clinic and the Lord’s Diner in Wichita.

The United Way of the Plains provided $13,260 to help purchase 1,000 doses of influenza vaccine, which members of KU’s Academy of Student Pharmacists will administer under the supervision of certified pharmacists. The free vaccinations will be offered from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. at the Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. Francis St. and the south Lord’s Diner, 2825 South Hillside. The vaccines will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Children must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

This marks the fifth year the United Way of the Plains has sponsored the event, and this year, they increased funding to provide vaccines at two locations.

“The United Way proudly participates in this program to improve the health of our community’s citizens,” said Patrick Hanrahan, president of United Way of the Plains. “Good health is a foundation block to a better life and is money well-spent.”

KU School of Pharmacy Dean Ken Audus said the annual flu vaccine clinic serves a dual purpose.

“Operation Immunization provides a much-needed service to the community,” Audus said. “But these events, along with clinical rotations, also serve to remind students that the practice of pharmacy is about more than just what they learn in the classroom. It’s also about patient interaction and care.”

Associate Dean of the Wichita Campus Robert Emerson said students from both the Lawrence and Wichita campuses will participate in the Saturday’s event.

“Service to the community is something we expect of every student in our program,” Emerson said. “Whether the event is in Wichita, Lawrence or anywhere in the state, all of our students share in those responsibilities.”

The event, in collaboration with the Wichita Academy of Pharmacists, the Guadalupe Clinic, the KU School of Medicine-Wichita JayDoc Community Clinic and the Wichita State University School of Nursing is intended for people who are unemployed, uninsured or unable to pay. 

Additional support for the immunization clinic is provided by Dandurand Drugstore, The Lord’s Diner, City Blue Print, CVS Pharmacy, Dillons, Retractable Technologies, Walgreens and Walmart.

Tue, 10/15/2013

author

Jackie Hosey

Media Contacts

Jackie Hosey

School of Pharmacy

785-864-1206