The City of St. Joseph Health Department urges you to get a flu shot, the best defense against influenza.

The vaccine typically has full efficacy in two weeks. It’s not too late to get your immune system ready for the additional stress of the holiday season or the typical onset of flu season during the first few months of the year.

The health department has a limited supply of flu vaccine available for Buchanan County residents.

To qualify, you must be three years of age and older, and must not be pregnant. Those who are currently ill with a moderate to severe illness, with or without a fever, should wait until they recover to get immunized.

Medicare, MO HealthNet, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Kansas City patients are asked to please bring your insurance card, but the flu shot is free regardless of whether a patient has insurance coverage or not.

Flu vaccine is available from 8:00-11:00 a.m. and 1:00-4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday at the St. Joseph Health Department, 904 South 10th Street.