Flu shots are available in South Texas now, earlier than ever. This year, you’ll only need one vaccine to protect you from standard flu and swine flu.
One and done. That’s the message health officials want Americans to embrace this flu season.
Unlike last year, when the regular flu shot and the H1N1 shots were separate, you only have to roll up your sleeves once this season.
83-year-old Muriel Perry was one of the first people to take advantage of the vaccines being offered at the Walgreen’s at Babcock and Prue in San Antonio.
“Oh, I get it every year,” Perry commented. “But coming early is the prime reason that we don’t run into all those crowds once December comes around, November. It’s too late then.”
Walgreen’s is trying some new approaches this year, for instance, selling gift cards to present to someone without insurance. Anyone who wants to use the pharmacy instead of their doctor’s office can just walk in. No appointment is necessary.
“Not only can we access a lot of people, we can give it in a timely manner,” said Walgreen’s pharmacy manager Dan Forsmann. “Everybody can come anytime, any hour that a Walgreen’s pharmacy is open and they can get their flu shot and it’ll be very, very quick.”
The Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone over six months of age get the flu shot. Unlike last season, there should be no shortages.
“At the beginning, there seems to be enough vaccine and there seems to be at least an adequate level of production to carry us through the season,” stated Dr. Fernando Guerra, director of the S.A. Metro Health.
Manufacturers are producing more than 160 million doses.
Besides Walgreen’s, you can also get flu shots at CVS, HEB, and of course, your doctor’s office. Metro Health will begin its flu shot campaign in a few weeks.
