Flu shots will protect against H1N1

By Shavonne Potts

spotts@salisburypost.com

With one single shot, this season’s flu vaccine will also protect against the H1N1 virus, health officials say.

Health Director Leonard Wood first mentioned the combined vaccine at a recent Rowan County Board of Health meeting.

“The H1N1 will be combined with other strains so that folks do not have to get two shots this year,” Wood said this week.

He said vaccines will probably not be available at the Health Department until early to mid-September.

“We hope to get ours by mid-September,” he said.

The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get a 2010-2011 flu vaccine for the upcoming season as vaccine is available.

The seasonal flu vaccine is usually a three-component vaccine, with each component selected to protect against one of the three groups of influenza viruses circulating most commonly in people. H1N1 is one of those components.

Last year, H1N1 was offered in nasal form, but this year’s flu/H1N1 combination vaccine comes in one form — a shot.

The same regulations still apply for this combined vaccine as for the H1N1 vaccine. For example, people allergic to eggs should not take this vaccine, because one of the H1N1 components contains eggs.

There is no separate vaccine available for people who just want to take the flu vaccine.

“We do not have a vaccine that does not have the H1N1 strain,” Wood said.

The board of health recently approved a $25 cash payment, which is the same as last year, for flu shots at the Health Department. The Health Department will not bill insurance providers or Medicare. However, Medicaid clients are excluded from the cash payment. Customers will have to seek reimbursement from their insurance providers on their own.

Walgreens, corner of West Innes Street and Mahaley Avenue, currently offers customers flu vaccine all day, no appointment necessary.

Moose Pharmacy of Salisbury, West Innes Street, is now accepting walk-ins or appointments.

Salisbury Pharmacy, West Innes Street, will offer vaccines in mid-September and will accept appointments and walk-ins on most days.

Kerr Drug, Salisbury Avenue, Spencer, encourages customers to check in October when they normally begin offering vaccine.

Contact the above pharmacies for specific details or contact your local pharmacy.

Contact Shavonne Potts at 704-797-4253.