Broadway Prescription Hosts Flu Vaccine Clinics

Shelia George, R.N., gives flu vaccinations at Broadway Prescription Shop and at on-site flu clinics, no prescription needed.

In addition to administering the flu vaccine in their 710 Broadway location, Broadway Prescription Shop will host two flu clinics open to the public, giving anyone in the area the opportunity to become immunized against influenza.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend everyone over six months should get a flu vaccine every year since flu strains change, and the virus adapts accordingly. As part of their ongoing commitment to providing 'personalized care for life,' Broadway Prescription Shop will offer flu vaccination clinics to the public in two area senior centers:

* Cape Senior Center: September 19, 10 a.m.-Noon

* Jackson Senior Center: September 20, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Broadway Prescription Shop pharmacist Kevin Wood explains, "Many people do not realize the vaccine requires 14-17 days for protective antibodies to develop in a person's body to fight the flu. While flu season generally hits hardest in January, it can begin as early as October. This is why we schedule clinics in September to give the vaccine the time it needs to offer full protection against the virus."

Anyone twelve years of age and older can receive a vaccination from Registered Nurse, Shelia George, or one of the pharmacists at Broadway Prescription Shop between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Saturday. There is a minimal fee to cover the cost of the vaccine, and most forms of insurance are accepted, including Medicare and Medicaid. Broadway Prescription Shop also offers on-site flu clinics for local businesses, municipalities, and senior housing facilities. Area businesses can schedule an on-site clinic by calling Jen Cecich at 335-8207.

Certain groups are especially at risk of developing serious complications from the flu, such as pneumonia. These groups include:

* Pregnant women

* People 65 years and older

* People with certain medical conditions including asthma, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.

* It is especially important that caregivers of people with these conditions also get immunized.

Broadway Prescription Shop also provides vaccines against Zostavax for Shingles and Pneumovax for Pneumonia. No prescription is required to receive any of these vaccinations. For more information about the 2013 influenza vaccine and answers to frequently asked questions, visit www.Broadwaypharm.com.