 Harris Teeter cares about each of the communities in which we are located, and we plan to offer a convenient Flu Shot Schedule program again this year in each of our Pharmacy stores.
Our Flu Shot Clinics will be administered by Registered Nurses with Virginia Health Screenings (VHS) and Preventa Health. These clinics will be offered at Harris Teeter Pharmacy locations between October 6th and November 19th, 2008.
Flu shots are available to all Harris Teeter customers for just $25 with your VIC card, and at no charge if the patient is covered by Medicare Part B. FluMist vaccine is also available for $30. Pneumonia shots are available for $45.
* Must be a minimum of 8 years old to receive the flu shot.
**Must be a minimum of 2 years old to receive the FluMist vaccine.
At this writing there are no restrictions on who can get the flu vaccine although the Medicare age population are usually the first to seek the shot. The Centers for Desease Control advises that there should be plenty of vaccine available for all groups.
FluMist
FluMist is a needle-free flu vaccine. It is a live attenuated influenza virus vaccine (LAIV) approved to prevent illness caused by influenza A and B viruses in healthy individuals 2-49 years of age. Children 2-8 years old need 1 or 2 doses, depending on whether they have been previously vaccinated with influenza vaccine. FluMist is more effective than the shot in children 2-5. FluMist does not contain thimerosal or any other preservatives. This appeals to parents concerned with Autism.
Individuals who should not get FluMist:
Individuals allergic to eggs, receiving asprin therapy, over 50, under 2, asthmatic, pregnant, or having the medical conditions of heart disease, diabetes, kidney failure, etc.
You can find the date and time of all our flu shot clinics here or just contact your local store.
FAST FACTS ABOUT THE FLU
- You can’t get the flu from the flu shot.
- You need a flu shot once each year because the virus strains may change every year.
- Influenza is a bad disease with a good vaccine. Get your annual flu shot.
- It takes about two weeks for the full effect of the vaccine to be developed in each person’s body.
- Flu season in the United States generally begins in late December early January and extends through March.
- Last year, Americans missed more than 52 million workdays because of the flu (National Center for Health Statistics).
- Influenza is a respiratory illness that should not be confused with a cold or stomach ailment.
- Symptoms of influenza include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, as well as headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
- Influenza is a contagious viral infection that can affect anyone, anywhere.
- People over 65 and those with chronic illness are at higher risk for complications of the flu such as pneumonia.
- Must be 18 years old or older to qualify for a flu shot
- If pregnant or nursing, consult with your Physician before getting the flu shot.
Courtesy of the American Lung Association of Minnesota and BlueCross BlueShield of Minnesota.
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