The Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department could use a shot in the arm when it comes to volunteers.

The local health agency and Kansas University’s Watkins Student Health Services need about 50 additional volunteers to help with the flu clinic from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday at Allen Fieldhouse.

“We know it’s the holiday season and a Sunday, but we do have some areas where people could help and not have to work the full afternoon,” said Janelle Martin, spokeswoman for the local health department.

This is the second flu clinic to take place this season in Douglas County. The first was the “Flu-X” event in October, when more than 1,400 vaccinations were given.

The health department, with the assistance of Watkins Student Health Services, was able to secure about 1,300 doses of flu vaccine. The shots will cost $17 for adults and $12 for children under 3.

In addition to the recent acquisition of the 1,300 doses, the local health department officials are expecting more shots from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

The state is expecting 90,000 doses of vaccine between now and mid-January. Last month, KDHE officials announced that local health departments would begin receiving about 15,000 doses of flu vaccine. An additional 75,360 doses are being sent to the KDHE to distribute among counties throughout the state.

Flu activity has remained low in Kansas, according to the KDHE. January through March typically is the peak time for flu in the state. KDHE interim director of health Richard Morrissey said it wasn’t too late to get flu shots if they are available.

“It’s important to get a flu shot as soon as it becomes available in your community, because it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to begin to protect you from the virus,” he said.

Interest in receiving flu shots has remained consistent, Martin said.

She said the flu vaccine clearinghouse phone number established by the health department received 60 to 80 calls daily.

“Some of those are repeat callers, but the bottom line is that people still want to find out where they can get a shot,” Martin said.

Only people in groups considered at high risk for complications associated with the flu will be able to get a shot.

To volunteer at the clinic, people can call DeeAnne Schoenfeld at 843-0721.