Not too early to get flu shots

A pleasant drop in temperature; lingering back-to-school excitement; Halloween candy overflowing in the aisles of supermarkets — all tell-tale signs that fall has arrived.

It also means flu season is just around the corner. It’s expected to be a bit more hectic than in previous years thanks to the H1N1 swine flu virus, which caused an uproar this summer bordering on international hysteria.

The much-anticipated H1N1 vaccine is expected to be available by late October, though there won’t be enough to start mass vaccinations until December, according to state officials. In the meantime, doctors say seniors still need to get a traditional flu shot, which battles different strains of the flu virus that can be just as harmful, and even deadly, especially in the elderly.

You can get the vaccine from your doctor or at health clinics across Green Valley in upcoming months. These clinics accept most insurance providers; for those without insurance, the cost is $20 to $30.

You can also get the flu vaccine through a pharmacy if you don’t mind a short wait. Pharmacists who are certified to administer flu shots first need a prescription from your doctor.

“Patients only need a prescription if they want the pharmacist to give them the injection,” said Patti Woodcock, community relations manager for the Pima County Health Department.

She said a prescription is not needed if you go through a mass immunization provider, such as the Mullen Immunization Clinics or Maxim Health Systems, which are sponsoring walk-in clinics at stores and churches in Green Valley.

However, because more people are expected to be extra diligent about getting their shots this year, by as early as November pharmacists will no longer need a prescription to give the vaccine, according to Woodcock.

This will simplify the process in the face of the “sheer magnitude of people getting flu shots this year,” she said.

Because of the demand, United Community Health Center in Green Valley is only offering flu shots to patients — no walk-ins — said clinical manager Kim Burton.

“There’s challenges getting all the vaccines,” she said. “There’s such a huge demand that we barely have enough for established patients.”

But there’s no fear of the flu vaccine running out any time soon, and there are plenty of options available in Green Valley.

On Tuesday, at the Beall’s Outlet in Green Valley Village, people came throughout the day to get shots.

“We get them every year,” said Green Valley resident Jan Welker, who says the swine flu had nothing to do with her decision to get the vaccine.

At one point there were about 15 people in line, waiting among scented candles and home furnishings — a somewhat unlikely location to get a flu shot, but just as good as a grocery store or church. Or doctor’s office.

“It’s important to get the vaccine,” said Welker. “I like to be responsible for my own health.”

FLU CLINICS

Beall’s Outlet

100 W. Duval Mine Road, Suite 170

Sponsored by Mollen Immunization Clinics

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., today, Thursday, Friday, Monday, Tuesday, Sept. 23, 25-26

Beall’s Outlet

115 N. Esperanza Blvd.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., today, Friday, Saturday, Monday, Sept. 23-25

CVS Pharmacy

240 W. Continental Road

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, and Sept. 26

Wal-Mart

18680 S. Nogales Highway

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday and Sept. 25

Fry’s Market

15950 S. Rancho Sahuarita Blvd., Sahuarita

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sept. 23-24

Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church

505 N. La Canada Drive

Sponsored by Maxim Health Systems

When: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 15, 22, 29, Nov. 5, 12, 19, 26

More information

Information: www.flushotusa.com and www.findaflushot.com.

Dates may change, call to confirm.

For those without health insurance, shots run between $20 and $30.