The CDC recommends patients receive a flu shot every year, because last year’s flu shot will not protect you again.
Getting a flu shot each year is the best way to protect yourself from infection. According to the American Pharmacists Association, across the country, more than 150,000 pharmacists have completed training as immunization providers for their communities. In all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, pharmacists are authorized to administer vaccines. A pharmacist goes through six years or more of school, depending on his/her area of specialization. In addition to their specialized training as medication experts, pharmacists can go through a formal training program to become certified to administer immunizations. This formal training helps ensure reliable and consistent immunization care for patients. Pharmacists, in collaboration with physicians, public health officials, and other immunization stakeholders, are increasing public access to vaccines that someone may need throughout their life and millions of vaccines each year are administered by pharmacists. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that pharmacists administered more than 20% of the adult influenza vaccinations during the 2010-11 season.
Your local pharmacy is a convenient location where you can get a flu shot that fits with your busy schedule. In fact, many pharmacies are open 7-days a week and have walk-in hours, making it fast and easy to protect yourself with a flu shot. It’s an easy way to take care of your health this winter and can easily be done during a shopping trip. For more information, stop in or log on to. Pharmacist.com/flushot