Kerr Drug kicks off its 2011 flu shot campaign

As the influenza season approaches, Raleigh, N.C.-based Kerr Drug is stepping up its vaccination program.

The retail chain kicked off its “2011 flu shot campaign” in August by providing vaccinations during operating hours at most of its stores throughout North Carolina, with no appointment necessary. Kerr Drug pharmacists also will provide flu vaccines at its booth during the 2011 North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, October 13 through October 23.

“We encourage everyone to follow the Centers for Disease Controls’ new recommendations for flu vaccines, which is why we are making immunizations available during almost all operating hours,” said Anthony Civello, CEO of Kerr Drug. People who want to get the flu shot will only have to get one shot this year, Civello added, because the 2011-2012 vaccine protects against H1N1 as well as against seasonal flu.

Kerr Drug is not alone in promoting influenza vaccines leading up to the fall flu season. In early August, Walgreens began offering flu shots at all of its stores and Take Care clinics, with no appointment necessary. CVS/pharmacy and the chain’s Minute Clinic locations are also providing flu shots with no appointment necessary. In addition, CVS/pharmacy is providing direct medical billing to many national and regional health plans, which will cover all or part of the cost of the flu shots.

Pharmacies are the most popular alternative to the doctor’s office for flu vaccinations, according to a recent study from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While nearly 40% of adults received vaccines in doctors’ offices, pharmacies and supermarkets came in second with 18.4%. In comparison, only 7% of adults were vaccinated in pharmacies and supermarkets during the 2006-2007 flu season, the CDC report said.