The annual Town Hall Health Fair will once again offer free flu shots to Hill residents, said Dr. Dick Goldberg. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 5, approximately 110 to 150 shots will be available.
Each year, residents line up early to receive the free shots, and given the limited number available, those interested should make certain they are in line early. In the past, doses were often gone by noon.
Flu shots are now available at Idyllwild Pharmacy, for a charge of $24.99. Pharmacy owner Barry Shapiro said some insurance plans cover the shots. “It varies,” he said. He noted that his pharmacy is charging less than what off-Hill pharmacies are charging. By comparison, Walgreen’s charges $31.99. For those who have Medicare Part B, there is no out-of-pocket cost, according to Walgreen’s website.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends an annual flu shot for everyone 6 months of age and older. The vaccine takes approximately two weeks to protect against prevalent flu strains.
