Do you want the good news or the bad news first? The bad news – flu season is underway and schools and parents are gearing up for runny noses and sick kids. The good news is that you can try to head off the inevitable by getting your flu shot now at a number of local pharmacies and walk-in clinics. FiDi has its fair share of pharmacies, including Duane Reade, CVS/Walgreens. A big trend in prevention has been to offer on-site flu clinics at your local pharmacy and FiDi is no exception. And, if you are fortunate, your primary insurance company will allow you to obtain your flu shot on-site and submit your receipt and RX claim form for a reimbursement.
There are four different flu vaccines available for the 2012-2013 Flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control:
- Intramuscular flu shot approved for people 6 months and older
- High-dose intramuscular flu shot approved for people 65 and older
- Intradermal flu shot approved for people 18 to 64 years of age
- Intranasal flu vaccine approved for healthy people 2 to 49 years of age who are not pregnant
If you are thinking about flu shots for your children, be sure to check with your family pediatrician to ensure a flu vaccine is the right choice for your family. Clearly, flu shots aren’t for everyone, but if you are a believer in the benefits of flu shots and not afraid of needles like I am, you are in luck as FiDi has options for a quick, appointment-free flu shot. Check out the suggestions below and log onto:
http://www.drwalkin.com/services
http://www.walgreens.com/pharmacy/?rxhome=new&ext=&tab=Pharmacy&ban=RXttNew
So, get out the stroller, buckle the kids in and avoid the long wait at your pediatrician office and take advantage of a quick flu shot for you and your family. You might even get a lollipop.
