Flu immunizations given at VNA

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y. (WIVB) - The Visiting Nursing Association opened its doors for an impromptu flu clinic Sunday, where many parents and their kids took advantage of the opportunity to be vaccinated.

One of the parents was Catherine Rouen who brought her ten-year-old son, Eric, to receive a flu vaccine. She said, "I think it's the right thing to do as a parent to help them be protected. It only makes sense if they're available."

Jeffrey Pittner has his kids get the flu shot every year, and this year he says is no different. "Pretty much to make sure that they stay healthy," he said, especially when they're at school. "That's the key... that they don't get the flu and give it to any of us!"

More than 19,000 people across New York are reported to have gotten the flu so far this season compared to around 4,400 last year.

Governor Cuomo's declaration of a Public Health Emergency on Saturday now allows pharmacists to vaccinate children younger than 18-years-old.

Many of the patients immunized at this flu clinic sponsored by the Visiting Nursing Association were kids.

Donna Sauer, the VNA's Immunization Program Director said, "We were not planning on having one, but just in response to the reports of the widespread flu activity, we added on today."

"And we've had a good response. The calls that I've been getting, the pediatricians are running out of vaccine. That's why we're getting probably more kids than usual," said Sauer.

But the flu vaccination is not appropriate for everyone.

According to the CDC, some people should not have the flu vaccine, including those who are allergic to chicken eggs, infants under six months old, anyone who's previously had a severe reaction to the flu shot, and people who are ill right now, especially if you have a fever.

One of the groups doctors do recommend the flu shot for, is children.

The FluMist nasal version of the vaccine is appropriate only for people between the ages of 9 and 49, according to the VNA.

Pregnant women should only receive a preservative-free version of the shot, and not FluMist.

For anyone who still needs/wants the flu vaccine, it is still available at the VNA's upcoming clinics:

- Monday, January 14 at Wanakah Pharmacy, 4923 Lakeshore Road (Rt. 5) in Hamburg, 1 - 6 PM.

- Tuesday, January 15 at Tile Pharmacy, 1031 Cleveland Drive in Cheektowaga, 2 - 6 PM.

- Wednesday, January 16 at Cy's Pharmacy, 2317 Bowen Road in Elma, 2 - 6 PM.

- Friday, January 18 at the Bouelvard Mall in Amherst (near Sears), 2 - 6 PM.

The fee is $30 for the shot, $40 for FluMist and $60 for a pneumonia vaccine. Most insurance plans cover the cost; check with your healthcare provider to see if yours is one of them.