Student pharmacists from the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy are preparing for this year's Operation Immunization program, a student-led public health initiative focused on increasing access to influenza vaccinations in the Wichita community. Through partnerships with local healthcare and community organizations, student pharmacists will help provide flu vaccinations while gaining valuable hands-on experience in patient care, health promotion and community outreach.

Operation Immunization, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, reflects KU School of Pharmacy's commitment to improving the health of Kansans through service, education and community engagement.

"Operation Immunization provides student pharmacists with the opportunity to apply their knowledge beyond the classroom while helping improve the health of our community," said Bradley J. Newell, Pharm.D., clinical associate professor and associate dean of KU School of Pharmcy-Wichita. "Through education, outreach and vaccination efforts, our students gain valuable experience as healthcare providers while increasing access to preventive care for individuals throughout Wichita."

This year's Operation Immunization program is being coordinated by the KU School of Pharmacy APhA-ASP Chapter, with student pharmacists leading outreach and vaccination education efforts throughout the Wichita community. Walgreens Pharmacy is serving as the primary community pharmacy partner, strengthening the collaboration between student pharmacists and practicing pharmacists serving the Wichita area. Community partners also include Guadalupe Clinic, HealthCore Clinic and GraceMed Health Clinic. 

Community members who are uninsured, underinsured or otherwise unable to access vaccination services are encouraged to attend Operation Immunization. Student pharmacists will administer influenza vaccinations under the supervision of licensed pharmacists while helping address an important public health need in the Wichita community. 

"Not only is this event rewarding because we get to help our communities and neighbors, but we get to grow our clinical skills as future pharmacists," said Lindsey Fry, second-year pharmacy student at KU School of Pharmacy-Wichita. "I am grateful these patients trust us as students enough to allow us the opportunity to help keep them safe and in turn, help keep others around them safe and healthy!"

The 2026 Operation Immunization clinics will be on from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at the following locations:

Guadalupe Clinic

940 S. St. Francis Ave., Wichita, KS 67211

Guadalupe Clinic at The Lord's Diner

2825 S. Hillside St., Wichita, KS 67216

HealthCore Clinic

2707 E. 21st St. N., Wichita, KS 67214

GraceMed Health Clinic

1122 N. Topeka Ave., Wichita, KS 67214

^{Bradley Newell, Pharm.D., associate dean of KU School of Pharmacy-Wichita, stands with student pharmacists in this file photo from Operation Immunization.}