ST. LOUIS — October is officially among us, and with it brings the joy of cooler weather and the dread of the imminent flu season. Year in and year out, you hear the same rhetoric, "Get your flu shot," but how many times have you listened to the advice?
Those in the medical field would like to think you haven't ignored the call for a relatively pain-free flu shot. Even if you have turned a purposefully cold shoulder to your nearest clinic, workplace or hospital for a remedy to the lingering viral infection, you have free alternatives that could help save you money — and time wasted in bed.
Beginning Monday, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Christian Hospital will offer free flu shots at eight different locations throughout the month as part of their annual clinic. Each location carries varying hours, and doses will be administered on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Any children 17-years-old or younger receiving the shot must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. Parents who bring in their children between the ages of 6-months-old and 8-years-old for the first time will require a follow-up vaccine four weeks after the first dose, Barnes Jewish said on their website.
Those who are unable to attend any of the clinics should contact their health provider or their local health department.
The full list of clinics is listed below (per Barnes-Jewish Hospital):
City of St. Louis
Monday, Oct. 1 – Wednesday, Oct. 3
7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Adult vaccinations only (18+ years old)
Barnes-Jewish Hospital, main floor lobby
1 Barnes-Jewish Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63110
Parking is available in the Plaza Garage for $2/hr
Monday, Oct. 1 – Wednesday, Oct. 3
8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Adult & pediatric vaccinations (6-months and older)
Center for Advanced Medicine, Plaza Tower 3rd floor lobby
4921 Parkview Place
St. Louis, MO 63110
Parking is available in the Euclid Garage for $2/hr
South St. Louis County
Saturday, Oct. 6
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Adult & pediatric vaccinations (6-months and older)
Siteman Cancer Center – South County
5225 Midamerica Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63129
Parking is available free on-site
West St. Louis County
Sunday, Oct. 7
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Adult & pediatric vaccinations (6-months and older)
Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital
Medical Office Building 2
10 Barnes West Drive
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
Parking is available free on-site
North St. Louis County
Tuesday, Oct. 9
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Ferguson Community Empowerment Center
9420 West Florissant Ave.
Friday, Oct. 12
2 - 6 p.m.
Northwest HealthCare – Community Room
1225 Graham Road - Entrance A
Saturday, Oct. 13
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Shalom Health Fair at Hazelwood East High School
11300 Dunn Road
Sunday, Oct. 14
9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Adult & pediatric vaccinations (6-months and older)
Siteman Cancer Center at Christian Hospital
Christian Hospital Atrium – Detrick Building
11133 Dunn Road
St. Louis, MO 63136
Parking is available free on-site