Flu shots now available here; hundreds already inoculated

Wilkes County citizens are lining up for flu shots early this year, and while there is no shortage of the flu vaccine, it may take a little extra effort to get protected this winter.

Marshall Frost, pharmacist at Fievet's Pharmacy, said that of the 1,000 doses of flu vaccine the pharmacy had received, they have gone through 700 already. "We still have some 300 shots left," he said.

Jennifer Jackson, RN, Director of the Wilkes County Health Department, said that her office had given 140 shots in two regular Thursday clinics, but each time had run out of vaccine within 45 minutes. "There's no real shortage," she said, "but the manufacturers are just doling it out a little at a time."

MedLink Washington has had strong demand for the flu shot, said medical secretary Tunisia Gartrell. There is a good supply of vaccine there, except for children on Medicaid, she said. "That should be in soon."

The Health Department will offer flu shots every Thursday at 8 a.m. as long as supplies last. The cost is $20 each, except for Medicare and Medicaid recipients.

Fievet's Pharmacy offers flu shots for $25, and will bill Medicare for those who are eligible.