Flu shots at hospital pharmacy

ROME – Rome Memorial Hospital is sponsoring a flu shot clinic on Thursday, Oct. 26, from 8 a.m. to noon and Friday, Oct. 27 from 1 to 3 p.m., to encourage adults to get immunized against the influenza virus.  The shots will be given in the hospital’s modular classroom, located in the parking lot off the Bartlett Floor wing on Black River B oulevard.  No appointment is necessary.

“Although many people think of the flu as just a bad cold, it really is a major illness,” said Infection Control Director LeAnna Grace, R.N.  “In an average year, influenza is associated with about 20,000 deaths nationwide and many more hospitalizations, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.”

Flu shots will be available for all adults 18 and over.  It is strongly recommended for people 65 and older, those with other medical conditions, and healthcare workers.  The flu vaccine changes every year to target different strains of the virus.

“It is impossible to get influenza from the flu shot,” Mrs. Grace said.  “However, it takes two weeks for the vaccination to take effect and people can still get the flu during those two weeks if they are exposed.  That’s why some people who do get the flu right after getting the shot, blame the vaccine.”

The cost of the shot is $20.  The hospital will bill Medicare or Medicaid for those who bring their cards.  The vaccine is not recommended for people who are allergic to eggs or who had a prior reaction to the vaccine.