The three largest national chains will be selling flu shots by next week at the latest.
Rite Aid Corp. said Thursday that flu vaccinations are now available at most of its stores.
Walgreen Co., the nation's largest drug chain, started selling the shots Tuesday. And stores and clinics run by No. 2 CVS Caremark Corp. will start selling flu shots next week.
Rite Aid said about 3,000 of its pharmacies are selling vaccinations against the 2009 swine flu, influenza B and the H3N2 flu strain for $24.99 each. A booklet with more than $100 in coupons comes with each shot while supplies last.
There may be a month left in summer, but a Walgreen's in Tarrytown is doing brisk business administering flu shots.
Brenda Fox was determined to get hers Friday.
Last year the CDC set September 1st as the start date for influenza vaccines.
But, here we are in the third week of August, and this year's shots are already available.
In the past, flu shots were recommended for just the young, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
But now, everyone older that 6 months old should get one.
It's called herd immunization.
In addition to doctor's offices, this is the second year that New Yorkers can get vaccinated by a pharmacist.
The national chains, by their sheer size, have bought in bulk and offer lower prices.
Another big change: There's no need for a second vaccine to protect against H1N1, because it is incorporated into this year's seasonal flu vaccine.
The shot may not offer 100% protection, even though it is 100% recommended.
LINK: CVS
LINK: RITE AID
LINK: WALGREENS
New York City Resources
More Tri-State Area Resources
New York State Department of Health
ON THE NET: New York State FLU Info
NY State Swine flu hotline: 1-800-808-1987
New Jersey State Department of Health
ON THE NET: www.state.nj.us/health<
NJ Flu Hotline: 1-866-321-9571
Connecticut Department of Health
ON THE NET: www.ct.gov/ctfluwatch
The H1N1 hotline: 1-800-830-9426 (7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
General Information:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu
Vaccination Information:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/public/vaccination_qa_pub.htm
Patient Care:
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance_homecare.htm
Preventing the Flu
www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/ppsv_h1n1.htm
(The Associated Press contributed to this report)
