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KIRKSVILLE, MO -- The Adair County Health Department is having its annual drive-thru influenza clinic.

The clinic will be at the NEMO Fairgrounds on Thursday, October 4 from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Anyone from the age of four and up can receive the flu shot.

The shot is free and you just need to wear a short sleeved shirt.

The health department asks that if you are insured by Medicare or Medicaid to bring your cards and information.

Jim LeBaron, Adair County Health Department administrator, said the department is encouraging people to come out.

“We think this is an important event for two reasons,” LeBaron said. “The more people that get flu vaccines (increases) the chances of the influenza not spreading for the 2012 flu season. The second reason is this is an emergency preparedness exercise for the health department and our partners. It allows us to practice dispensing medication… it really helps us maintain readiness to respond to a public health emergency.”

According to the health department, you should not receive the vaccine if you have had a severe reaction after receiving the vaccine in the past, if you have experienced breathing problems, have an allergy to eggs, if you are ill or if you have fainted after receiving a vaccine.

On October 5,10,12,15,17,19,22,24,26,29 and 31 the health department will have a flu clinic from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.