Where to get a Flu Shot

Are You Wondering Where to get a Flu Shot?

Are you trying to figure out where to get a flu shot?  While in the past, they have been a bit inconvenient to find and there always seems to be shortages, this year they are accessible for everyone.  For a few years in a row, it seemed that parents were scrambling to find shots for their children after finding out that their school may not have been providing them.  Not to mention, the individuals working non traditional hours were finding it nearly impossible to find a location offering them at a time that worked with their schedule.  Today, with how serious the virus has become, if you are wondering where to get a flu shot, the answer is nearly everywhere.

2010 Flu Vaccines

While there were promises of no shortages last year for 2009, the sudden required production of having to produce H1N1 Influenza vaccines got in the way of manufacturers keeping their word about the seasonal flu shot.

With more than 155 million doses made of the seasonal flu vaccine this year as well as several new manufacturers working on production, it should be possible and convenient for everyone to receive a shot who wants one.  This is good news since the ACIP is advising all individuals over six month old to receive the vaccine this year.  If you haven’t already figured out the answer to your, “Where to get the flu shot?” question, you may want to put that at the top of your priority list since the season has already started.

Fortunately, no one is talking about any vaccine shortages this year so if you have dropped the ball a bit due to a busy schedule,  you should still have no problem finding them for you and your family.  Keep in mind that there is a vaccine available this year that also protects against the swine flu as well.

Where to get a Flu Shot

If you have children and you are wondering where to get a flu shot, you should begin with your pediatrician.  For individuals of any age, there are an abundance of pharmacies and grocers such as Walgreens, CVC or Kroger as well as community centers, office parks, churches, schools and shopping malls that are offering convenient hours including evenings and weekends so everyone has the opportunity to get vaccinated.

The website for the American Lung Association or Maxim Health Systems also has directories by area of where you can go to get a shot. Of course, regardless of where you live, you can always contact your local health department or even city courthouse for guidance of where to go.

It is important to keep in mind that many locations that are not a doctor’s office will not administer a shot to children under the age of four so you may want to call ahead first.

Problems Finding a Shot?

Right now there should not be any shortages finding a shot.  However,  there may be delays in some areas of new shipments once stock runs low.  Therefore, don’t pass up the opportunity to get a shot.  You may be tempted to wait until next week when you know that you have a day off to rest and recover but there is no way to know if you will be able to find any available or if you will have to wait for a new batch to arrive, leaving you unprotected.

Additionally, since children under nine years old who have never received immunization will require two doses, three weeks apart, you will want to get started as soon as possible to make sure that you will have the second shot administered before the virus really starts circulating through schools.  Deliveries of shots usually continue on for several months so even if you can’t find one right away, keep looking.

Free Flu Shots

While flu shots are not very expensive, when you are deciding where to get a flu shot, you should know that many locations offer them for free.  No, your vaccination is not any better if you pay for it, they are all the same.  Free shots are usually found at churches, schools and health departments.