Flu season
is here, and there are various
locations where West Side residents can receive theirs.
Flu shots are available at the
following Rite Aid locations: 291 West Ferry St., 284 Connecticut St., 424
Elmwood Ave., 1410 Delaware Ave. and 350 Niagara St., and at Walgreens, 650 Delaware Ave.
Flu season began in October and
lasts through May. The flu can last from a few days to two weeks, and can lead
to further complications, such as pneumonia.
According
to the Visiting Nursing Association’s website, influenza viruses are always
changing, so annual vaccination is necessary.
“It’s a serious illness and many
people die from it every year,” said Donna Sauer, director of the immunization
program at the VNA. “It leads to complications resulting in hospitalizations or
even death.”
Those
who are at high risk include young children, pregnant women, people with chronic
health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease and
people 65 or older. Also, healthcare workers and others who live with or care
for high-risk individuals should be vaccinated to prevent spreading the flu.
Rite Aid offers flu shots and states
on its website that everyone six months of age and older should get one. The
pharmacy also states that it’s important for those who are at high risk of
developing flu complications to get vaccinated. By Sarah Minkewicz and Colleen Young
