It is that time of year to start preparing for flu season. Throughout October, MU Health Care is offering drive-thru flu shot events at South Providence Medical Park.

The events will offer flu shots to adults and kids 6 months and older from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays throughout the month, including Oct. 15, Oct. 22 and Oct. 29. The new COVID-19 bivalent booster vaccine is also expected to be available only to those 12 and older. If children have not been vaccinated against COVID-19, the primary vaccine will be available for those 6 months and older.

At the same time, the Columbia/Boone County Public Health and Human Services department is administering flu vaccinations through school-based flu clinics, community outreach clinics in Boone County and by appointment. The flu vaccine will be available to all residents ages 6 months and older.

To schedule an appointment in the clinic located at 1005 W. Worley St., people can call 573-874-7249. The next walk-in clinics are from 3:30-6 p.m. Wednesday at Centralia Intermediate School;  Oct. 20 at Southern Boone Primary School in Ashland; Oct. 26 at Sturgeon School; and Oct. 27 at the Harrisburg School District Central Office.