Believe it or not, it’s that time again: Flu shots available throughout the region

HARLEM VALLEY — The leaves have yet to fall from the trees, but it’s not too early to get protection by getting a flu shot for the coming season.

Dr. Mark J. Marshall, MD, Section Chief of Hospital Medicine and Vice President of Medical Affairs at Sharon Hospital, released a statement about the flu.

“As we commence preparations for the 2018-19 flu season, we begin considering the ways in which we can protect ourselves from becoming ill with influenza. First and foremost, we must practice frequent hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who have respiratory symptoms.

“In addition, and just as important, is receiving the influenza vaccine,” he added. “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. This season’s vaccine promises to be even more effective than last season’s covering four different strains of the virus.  For people over the age of 65, a ‘high dose’ formulation is recommended as it creates a greater immune response and will be more protective. Everyone should get vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available. It is an important way we can protect ourselves this flu season.” 

His thoughts were echoed by pharmacy technician Sarah Baker of the Dover Plains CVS at 3081 Route 22.

“People need to remember it takes four to six weeks after a shot to build immunity,” she said, adding it’s best to plan early. “Even if people have never had the flu and think they don’t need a shot, they should get it to protect others, especially little kids and the elderly.”

Baker noted the cost is covered by most insurance plans. Walk-ins are “encouraged” as no appointment is necessary for the shots, which are currently available with new supplies coming in regularly. Inoculations should take “15 minutes tops — in and out,”  she said, and are given any time the pharmacy is open. 

At the Millerton CVS, no appointment is needed for the shots, which are also currently available at 108 Route 44 whenever the pharmacy department is open. There is 100 percent coverage and no co-pay for most insurance plans. 

The Benzer Pharmacy at 5094 Route 22 in Amenia, which took over from the Drug World on May 1, does not yet have the ability to provide shots for walk-in customers but according to pharmacist Donald Goldberg, the situation should change by the end of the month.

He explained that in order to provide the shots for the general population, a pharmacy must have a “standing order” from a physician, something which they are working on obtaining. The pharmacy is still awaiting its supply but once it has it, hopefully by the end of the month, it will be available for anyone with a doctor’s prescription — even before the pharmacy obtains the standing order. 

He noted that while the pharmacy is technically new, “We are at the same location with the same staff.” Goldberg added that he expects, once the pharmacy has the necessary order, it will once again provide the shots on a walk-in basis.

Nasir Mahmood, pharmacist and owner of the Pine Plains Pharmacy at 2965 Church Street, said with three pharmacists available to provide the shots, the process for walk-ins takes only as long as a regular prescription. The pharmacy’s supply of the vaccine is expected “shortly.” 

Mahmood suggested customers “should protect themselves as soon as possible” because flu sometimes “starts early.” 

He added booster shots are available again later in the season, if necessary.

“If the people are worried about losing the effectiveness by getting the vaccine early and there is an outbreak, [booster shots are available] at the end of the season — in February or March. That is also covered because CDC recommends it and the CMS [Center for Medicare Services] approves it.”

Sonny Shah of the Millbrook Pharmacy, at 3272 Franklin Ave., said he hopes their supply will be available by the end of September and plans that vaccines will be given on a walk-in basis, with insurance accepted. 

Shots are also available at many doctor’s offices and at the Dutchess County Health Clinic at 29 N. Hamilton St., Suite 109 in Poughkeepsie. Appointments for the clinic must be made by calling 845-486-3535.  

Because supplies at all locations will vary throughout the season, it’s a good idea to call to check availability ahead of time and to see if children may be vaccinated at the chosen location.