Flu shots! Flu Shots! FLU SHOTS!!!!
Wow, what a rush! We started administering flu shots in our
retail clinics Septemter 1st, and have been extremely busy this
season thus far, and it is not even really prime flu shot season yet.
I believe there are two reasons
to explain the large numbers of patients looking for an early flu shot. The
first is everyone has flu and influenza on their mind as H1N1 has started to
consume my community: in the elementary, middle and high school students and in
the universities. People are very
concerned about this new strain of flu and with every "seasonal" flu shot I give
I am requested for more information on "When are you going to have H1N1?" I answer their questions the best I can and
try to advise them their place in the recommendation from ACIP.
The second reason is people are
paying more attention to all types of flu this year and to the recommendations
of the CDC. I have has more patients
that are in the 20-40 year old range that are flu shot natives than ever, and I
don't have to sell them like I have had to in the past. The other nice thing is people are getting
the flu shots for those they love and live with and are learning the risks of
the influenza, no matter what the strain!
I have yet to run into any
patients thinking the flu shot I am giving them is for the "stomach flu," but of
course the season is young. Hopefully
people realize the difference and are seeking out the information they need to
stay healthy this season.
Here's to round 2 of the flu
shot season, H1N1!!!!