DO YOU NEED A FLU SHOT THIS YEAR
With our flu season upon us (running from November to April), drugstores and now even grocery stores, are doing some creative things to promote flu shots. With over 166 million doses made this year, compared to 157 last year, it has become difficult to sell flu vaccinations. Since retailers last year gave only 20% of all flu shots, they are heavily promoting it this year. Drugstore chains use this to introduce the diabetic screening and in-store clinics.
With our flu season upon us (running from November to April), drugstores and now even grocery stores, are doing some creative things to promote flu shots. With over 166 million doses made this year, compared to 157 last year, it has become difficult to sell flu vaccinations. Since retailers last year gave only 20% of all flu shots, they are heavily promoting it this year. Drugstore chains use this to introduce the diabetic screening and in-store clinics.
Last year only one third of adults and one half of children got flu shots. A big difference from two years ago when people were standing in line demanding shots. This year’s flu shot doesn’t offer any new protection against other viruses, and it is harder to convince people to get another shot. You are told: “last year’s shots have worn off, and new shots are needed”.
There are offers of coupon booklets, grocery discounts, signs down every aisle and at checkout, all saying “this friendly drugstore will give you a flu shot”. Grocery chains are offering 10% off coupons for future shopping, giving free grocery items as apples, coupon books on frozen vegetables bottled water and vitamins, and even hands sanitizers.
Drugstore television ads are aimed to the elderly, who are most vulnerable. Flu shots are offered at $25-$30, and half of this is drugstore profit.
25% of 2009’ flu vaccine that was produced were thrown into the trash and incinerated-- over 40 million doses at a cost of $260 million. That was four times as much left over than any other season. Another 30% later expired and were also unusable. In summary, 43% of our vaccine supply was wasted. The government defended our huge drug house purchase as necessary, fearing the flu epidemic could be global. As it turned out, it ended up killing fewer people than our seasonal flu.
The message is being sent to that even healthy people can become severely ill from the flu. There is a great added push to promote this message of prevention. The government does not want to be stuck with another huge vaccination expense it’s as two years ago, yet they have ordered the same amount of vaccines.
The CDS anticipates the same three strains again will be needed. The current flu vaccine protects against all three strains, (A/H3N2 strain, B strain, and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic strain. Human influenza, A and B, are present every winter in the United States. This matchup in this years vaccine may not be the actual circulating strains needed. There is concern that young people may be susceptible to H1N1–like viruses that continue to circulate.
Do you REALLY need a flu shot this year? READ MORE
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