Some say wait to get a flu shot

Not every pharmacy is in a rush to start their seasonal flu shot campaigns.

Ronald Dick, owner of Duncansville Pharmacy, said that he is concerned about starting the shots too early. Other pharmacies started their campaigns last week.

"I'm afraid of [the vaccines] running out of steam in four months. You get a shot in September and you're covered for September, October, November and December. What do you do about January, February, March and April?" Dick asked.

This flu season could bring a double whammy with the seasonal flu and the swine flu. Major drugstore chains this week began their seasonal flu shot campaign several weeks ahead of last year.

Dick, one of two certified immunizers at the pharmacy, said he has been reviewing the situation weekly and believes waiting is the right thing to do.

"From a pharmacist standpoint, I'm trying to do the prudent thing. I'm still feeling that we will wait until October," Dick said. "The bottom line is that you should check with your physician. If there are underlying medical conditions that would require early flu protection, I would administer the vaccine."

President Barack Obama said during a White House briefing last week that steady progress is being made on developing a safe, effective swine flu vaccine. The program, while voluntary, will be strongly recommended.

The seasonal flu shot is separate from the swine flu vaccine, which requires two shots. Neither vaccine will protect against the other, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said.

The swine flu vaccine is expected to be available in October, the state Department of Health said.

CVS Caremark Corp., Walgreen Co. and Rite Aid Corp. started making flu shots available early last week.

CVS and Walgreen each run about 6,900 stores around the country, while Rite Aid has about 4,800. Walgreen said the shots will be available at almost all of its stores, and CVS said it will give the shots at scheduled events in many of its stores. Pharmacists at about 1,500 Rite Aid stores will be able to give the vaccination.

Walgreen pharmacies and clinics will have an immunizing pharmacist on duty from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily until Sept. 30. Starting Sept. 15, CVS said it will hold more than 9,000 flu shot clinics at its stores, and Rite Aid will run clinics starting Sept. 23.

The state health department started taking registrations this week from providers interested in receiving the swine flu vaccines and supplies. Dick said he would register for the program.

Because the federal vaccination program is under development, the state said it can't guarantee that vaccine will be supplied to all registered providers or the timing or size of the shipments. Needles, syringes, syringe containers and alcohol swabs will also be provided with the vaccine.

The Associated Press contributed to this story. Mirror Staff Writer Mark Leberfinger is at 946-7450.