With the arrival of falling leaves and shorter days, flu season
is also quickly approaching.
With the arrival of falling leaves and shorter days, flu season is also quickly approaching.
To help people prepare for the influenza virus that makes the rounds each winter, Sav-on Pharmacy in Albertson’s at Meridian and McCray streets at is offering flu shots Wednesday, Nov. 6 from 4 to 8 p.m.
“Now is the time to get the shot,” said pharmacy manager Bob Poelker. “The shot normally protects people from getting the flu for 90 days and it takes the immune system 10 days to assimilate the shot.”
No appointment is necessary, but children 12 or under need a doctor’s permission, Poelker said.
Cost for the vaccine is $20, which is less than it would cost from a physician.
“Usually if you go to your doctor’s office, you’re going to have to pay for the shot plus your co-pay,” Poelker said. “So it’s a lot cheaper.”
Poelker said the vaccines are given by Registered Nurses.
The vaccine does not guarantee that the flu will not strike during the winter months, Poelker said, but it can help. The shot contains small amounts of actual flu viruses that are floating around. The immune system strengthens itself against the virus in the vaccine and protects the body from susceptibility to that strain.
“Every year it’s a different stain of flu you may get, so if you get the shot you can still get a cold,” Poelker said.
Not everyone needs to get a flu shot, he said, but older people or those with medical conditions should get vaccinated. Anyone who is usually debilitated for five to seven days with a case of the flu should probably get the shot as well.
“If you’re in good health, you don’t need to get it,” Poelker said. “Most people that get it are seniors.”
People who do get the shot should be warned that the trace amounts of the flu virus it contains could bring on flu-like symptoms, such as a slight fever or body aches, Poelker said.
