Although it is the end of summer, local agencies are already gearing up for an expected rush on flu shots thanks to the recent announcement by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of the creation of the all-in-one flu vaccine.

That vaccine, the CDC has noted, will protect people against the H1N1 flu as well as two other seasonal flu viruses — influenza B and H3N2 virus. The announcement is the first time the CDC has recommended everyone older than six months get a flu shot. Previously, the agency recommended shots for specific risk groups, such as the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. A CDC advisory committee approved the new guidelines, voting for “universal” flu vaccination in the U.S. to expand protection against the flu to more people.

“The CDC is recommending everyone older than six months get a flu shot,” says Tom West, a Kerr Drug pharmacist in Roseboro. “Because of the new guidelines and expected demand, we will have pharmacists available for immunizations during almost all operating hours, and no appointment will be needed. Patients can just walk in and get a flu shot.”

Although Matthews Drugs in Clinton will not be giving out the vaccine this year, owner Jim Matthews said it is important to be vaccinated.

“This one will cover the H1N1 and two other viruses,” he said. “It is something that people who have serious complications do die from; it can happen ...”

With one of his pharmacists being pregnant, Matthews said he felt he needed another one on the schedule to give the shots, which was something that was not feasible at this time. “When we do something here, we stand behind it,” he said, “and we do it right. So we decided that we would do it next year. If someone comes in and requests the shot, we can always recommend a place for them to go.”

At Butler Pharmacy in downtown Clinton, pharmacist Charlotte Fetterman said there is not a rush on the shots just yet.

“We are in the midst of getting everything ready (for it),” she said. “But as far as anyone coming in and requesting the shots — no, we haven’t had that.”

According to national reports, about one in five people get the flu every year, with most cases reported between January and March. Last flu season, 110 million people received the seasonal flu vaccine, with pharmacist-administered flu shots representing 12 percent of all the vaccinations. Flu shots are covered by Medicare Part B and most commercial health insurance plans. Without insurance, the average price for a shot is around $30.

Local physicians

RN Tammy King, infection control coordinator for Sampson Regional Medical Center, as well as Sampson County Health Department Nursing director Kathie Johnson, RN, said the reason for the CDC’s encouragement to get the shot is for preventive measures.

“Typically, you don’t see a whole lot of flu cases until February or March,” King said. “But the usual season is from October through March.”

“I know that some of the pharmacies in town are already giving them out,” said Johnson. “I think one of the reasons they are pushing it this year is that there have already been instances (not in North Carolina) of regular flu, and there is the possibility of it starting a little early this year. But you usually don’t see that until December, January or February. It is a preventive measure.”

King said all practices under the SRMC umbrella should have the shots ready by next week; Johnson noted that the Health Department is expecting a supply in by Oct. 1.

The hospital’s order for the vaccinations took place last year, King noted.

Sampson Regional Medical Center CEO David Masterson said the flu vaccine is an important one to get.

“I think the most important reason for getting shots early this year is for prevention,” he said. “We do not want to wait until the flu hits to begin giving vaccines.”

“It is very important,” added King. “You want to get it early because it takes about two weeks after the shot to begin working to protect you. So, the earlier you get it, the better.”

Masterson said although the flu shots are available at the hospital’s practices and its urgent care facility, he encourages people to get them wherever they can.

“However, retail locations also offer flu shots, and we do not want to discourage people from visiting retail stores if it provides a more convenient option,” he said. “We are not so much concerned where people get their flu shot, as long as they get it.”

To reach Doug Clark call 910-592-8137 ext. 123 or send e-mail to sisports@heartlandpublications.com.