New flu vaccines may be available locally this week

A new high dose flu vaccine soon will be made available locally, even as early as this week at some sites.The state Department of Health, meanwhile, is offering the vaccines on a limited basis."Those are for under-served people. In addition, we help people find vaccines," said Deputy Secretary of Health Michael Huff. "They can get on our website or call us at 877-Pa-Health."Huff noted that although limited numbers of shots will be given out this week at some retail stores and pharmacies, those offered by the state will not be available until the end of September.

This year, an all-in-one inoculation protects against swine flu as well as two other kinds of influenza strains, including seasonal flu.Weis Markets is making available vaccines at its in-store pharmacies starting this week.The shots will be administered to persons 18 or older by trained and certified pharmacist immunizers through the company's adult immunization services program, according to company officials.

For most senior citizens, flu shots are covered by Medicare parts B and D. Many private prescription insurance plans also cover the immunizations.Susquehanna Health expects to receive its first shipment of vaccines by Oct 1.The shots will be given to patients seen by Susquehanna Health Group physicians, according to health system spokeswoman Tracie Witter.A number of vaccines will be distributed by home care nurses at various senior centers.In addition, the Health Specialties Center will have on hand a small supply for the general public.

"We also encourage people to go to pharmacies and retail centers where they are available," Witter said.Jersey Shore Hospital spokeswoman Erin Welsh said the hospital will once again make vaccines available."We have ordered well over 1,000 flu shots and that is enough for our employees, our family practice doctors, our in-patients," she said, adding the shots also will be available through any clinics with the Visiting Nurses Association.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that flu vaccines are the best way to protect against influenza.

Those at higher risk for the flu include young children, anyone 50 or older, those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease or asthma, and pregnant women.

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