Pharmacy students to offer free seasonal flu shots Oct. 4 in Wichita

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas School of Pharmacy is teaming up with the United Way of the Plains to provide flu vaccines to those in need on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the Guadalupe Clinic, Grace Med and the South Lord’s Diner in Wichita.

The United Way of the Plains provided $18,150 to help purchase the influenza vaccines, which members of KU’s Academy of Student Pharmacists will administer under the supervision of certified pharmacists. The vaccinations will be given at no cost from 9 a.m. to 2 pm. at the Guadalupe Clinic, 940 S. Francis St.; Grace Med, 1122 North Topeka St., and the South Lord’s Diner, 2825 South Hillside. The vaccines will be provided first-come, first -erved to eligible patients while supplies last. Children must be at least 6 years old and accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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

“Operation Immunization reduces needless suffering and contributes to the overall health of our community,” said Patrick Hanrahan, president of United Way of the Plains. “We are proud to continue our partnership with the KU School of Pharmacy in providing quality service to those in need.”

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 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, GraceMed, the KU School of Medicine-Wichita JayDoc Community Clinic and the Wichita State University School of Nursing is aimed at people who are unemployed, uninsured or unable to pay. 

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