Take Care Health to offer flu vaccinations for fall

CONSHOCKEN, Pa. Take Care Health Systems, which is owned by Walgreens, has announced that, beginning Oct. 1, it will offer flu vaccinations at all 237 Take Care Clinics nationwide.

The company will offer the flu shots to patients aged 2 and older. The shots cost $24.99 each at most clinics and are often covered by insurance. The option of FluMist, a non-needle vaccination, is also available at the sites for $29.99.

Every year in the United States, on average more than 200,000 people are hospitalized with influenza, 20,000 of those hospitalized are children younger than 5 years old, and 36,000 people die from the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu and help keep people healthy during flu season,” stated Sandy Ryan, chief nurse practitioner officer at Take Care Health Systems. “It is extremely important that children and adults get vaccinated to receive protection against this common but dangerous public health threat. This vaccination could be a lifesaver.”

The CDC recommends getting a flu vaccination starting in October. Flu activity in the United States generally peaks between December and March, and two weeks are required after vaccination for the body to be fully prepared to protect against influenza. Experts strongly recommend patients 50 and older, as well as children and adults with chronic heart and lung conditions get vaccinated every year.

Take Care Clinics also offers other vaccinations including, Varicella (Chickenpox), Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR), Hepatitis A, Pneumococcal (PPV), Human Pappilomavirus (HPV), Hepatitis B, Menactra (Meningitis), Shingles, Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis (TDAP) and Tetanus Booster (Td).