BengalNews Reporters
As the beginning of flu season rolls around, residents on the West Side of Buffalo may be searching for places that offer vaccinations to the public.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone six months of age or older should become vaccinated against the flu, particularly if they are considered part of a ‘high-risk’ group. Influenza and its related complications result in approximately 226,000 hospitalizations and over 23,600 deaths yearly in the United States.
Nicholas Matteliano, pharmacy manager at the Rite Aid located at 291 W. Ferry St., said it is important that people get a flu shot every 12 months.
“The vaccine is reformulated every year and usually becomes available in late August,” Matteliano said.
Pharmacy Manager Nicholas Matteliano talks about the process of getting a flu shot at the Rite Aid location at 291 West Ferry St.:
This year’s vaccine contains three components to protect against three different flu viruses. One component will protect against H1N1-like viruses that spread nationwide last year. Another component will protect against influenza-B viruses, and the last will protect against an H3N2 virus, according to the CDC.
“The vaccine usually lasts eight months, which is why everyone should get one each year,” Matteliano said.
The CDC said flu season typically begins in late October, peaks in the United States in January or February, and lasts until as late as May. Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, headaches and fatigue.
In addition, the flu is contagious, and because symptoms do not start until one to four days after the virus enters the body, infected people may pass on the flu before they know they are sick.
Other places on the West Side are also offering vaccinations.
“Students can call and schedule an appointment, and pay a $25 fee,” said a representative of Jericho Road Family Practice, which is located at 184 Barton St.
The Belle Center, 104 Maryland St., offered a flu clinic earlier this year.
“We had a flu clinic in September with Catholic Health and Charities Network, in conjunction with Holy Cross Church,” said Callie Johnson, marketing director at the Belle Center.
An additional flu and screenings clinic will be held Oct. 21 from 3-5 p.m. at The Sisters of St. Mary Residence, 245 Lafayette Ave. The clinic is being held through Catholic Health and will offer flu shots at no out-of-pocket cost.
Information about other clinics being offered through Catholic Health can be found here. For more information, contact Liz Reiser at 885-0357.
As an overall evaluation of the public, Matteliano said that there are certain groups of people who may need the flu shot more than others.
“There are some higher risk people that I highly recommend get the vaccine,” Matteliano said. “People that are pregnant or have diabetes are at a much higher risk.”
Children younger than five, adults 65 years of age or older, and people of any age who have certain medical conditions, including asthma, heart disease or a weakened immune system, are also considered part of the high-risk group, according to the New York State Department of Health.
Although most people will only need to get vaccinated once, children between six months and eight years of age who have never received a seasonal flu vaccine will need to get two doses of the vaccine, spaced at least four weeks apart.
Side effects of the vaccination exist, but are rare.
“The worst side effect is a flu-like symptom, but the occurrence is below one percent,” Matteliano said. “The most common side effect is a sore arm.”
The CDC recommends that people get vaccinated as soon as possible, because it takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body that will protect against the influenza virus.
“It doesn’t just protect you, it protects others around you,” Matteliano said.
Edited by Mike Meiler
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