It’s almost time to roll up that sleeve and stick an arm out the window for the annual drive-though flu-shot event.

Central Kansas Medical Center will provide 500 doses of vaccine, beginning at 8 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, in the Great Bend Library parking lot at Broadway and Williams St. The event will run to 11 a.m. or until CKMC staff runs out of vaccine.

The shots are free but goodwill offerings will be accepted, said Gloria Siefkes, CKMC employee health nurse.

"We have been doing this for several years and it has become quite popular," Siefkes said, noting CKMC personnel donate their time to the event. "It is just one of the community services we offer each year. Reaching out to central Kansans is always part of our mission."

Siefkes encourages participants to wear short sleeves. "It is much more convenient for everyone," she said. "It allows us to vaccinate more people in a short amount of time."

Those who want to complete the consent form in advance may visit ckmc.org and click on the flu icon. The form can be printed and taken to the drive-through.

"It is so important to get a flu shot," Siefkes said. "We have been noticing a decrease in the number of flu cases, especially in the last couple of years. The flu vaccine deserves much of the credit."