Pharmacies Get Early Jump On Flu Season

Flu shots are normally a staple of autumn. But this year, national pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens are following a recommendation from the government to make the shots available a month early.

Although the Marblehead Health Department will make flu shots available free of charge this fall, pharmacies have gotten an early jump on public health agencies.

Customers can sign up now to get this year's flu immunization, which includes immunization against the H1N1 virus, at pharmacies that are certified to provide them.

At the CVS/Pharmacy on Atlantic Avenue, where prominent signs announce that flu shots are available at the store, two walk-in clinics will be held next month, on September 8, from noon to 2 p.m., and September 22, from 5 to 7 p.m.

At the Eaton Apothecary on Pleasant Street, owned by the nation's largest retail pharmacy chain, Walgreens, customers can sign up for a flu shot or send a flu shot gift card to someone for $29.99.

Wayne Attridge, director of public health for the town, said the health department is just starting to receive information from the state about flu vaccinations.

The town makes the shots available as it receives them from the state Department of Public Health, usually through free flu clinics between mid-October and December.

"We're just starting to look at scheduling" of the free clinics, Attridge said.

The national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that anyone more than six months old get immunized annually.

For those unwilling to wait, pharmacies are offering the shots for about $25 to $30.

It may make economic sense for pharmacy chains to offer the flu shots, but independently owned Village Pharmacy, in Village Plaza, won't be offering shots this year.

"We don't do flu shots because the town gives them for nothing," said Elliot Strasnick, pharmacist and owner of Village Pharmacy. "You can't compete with free."