I had already decided what I was going to write about in this week’s blog, and was going over it in my head while I was doing some routine shopping in Walgreens the other day. So, imagine my surprise when I got up to the checkout counter and the lovely young man at the cash register – not a day over 19 – seemed to have read my mind. (Or, read my blog inside my head?)

Here’s what he said to me:

“Hello, Ma’am. Did you know that flu season is already here? This year, everyone is supposed to get a flu shot – not like previous years when only certain people were supposed to. And, this year, you won’t need to get two shots like last year because this year’s vaccine works against both H1N1 and the regular flu virus.”

Other than hating to be called Ma’am (I don’t look that old, do I?), I was impressed that not only did he give me this important information, but that he seemed to understand it rather than just reciting a canned speech. So, kudos to Walgreens on their public awareness campaign about the flu shot, and on training their employees so well!*

In case you’re not going to be in Walgreens anytime soon, I’ll repeat these points, with a few additions, below.

·        It is recommended by the CDC that everyone over the age of 6 months receive the flu shot this year.

·        You only need to get ONE shot this year since it works against both the H1N1 virus AND the regular flu virus.

·        There is a “high dose” flu shot available for people over 65 that helps with immunity against the flu.  Ask your doctor about it.

·        Certain groups should definitely get the flu shot including people over 50 (that’s all of us!) and people with chronic diseases like asthma and diabetes.

·        There should be enough flu vaccine to go around this year unlike in prior years.

·        Flu season has officially started, so you can get your shot anytime now. But remember, it takes about 2 weeks to develop immunity against the flu after getting the shot – so don’t wait too long to get it.

·        If you haven’t had the pneumonia shot yet, ask your doctor about it. It is especially important if you have a chronic disease.

 For more info: go to www.flu.gov   

*I have not been paid, courted or otherwise enticed to mention Walgreens here.