Local pharmacy pledging to help community stay healthy

Blue Ridge --- With the influenza season fast approaching, Parris Pharmacy and Parris Medical Services at 4149 East First Street will offer influenza vaccinations to its customers starting October 15, 2007 between 9 A.M. and 6P.M.

"Influenza and its complications have a huge medical, social, and economic impact on the nation," said Mark Parris, Owner and Pharmacist. "By making influenza vaccinations available conveniently and efficiently, we're helping our customers to protect themselves --- and indeed the whole community --- against this potentially serious disease."

Influenza statistics underscore why getting vaccinated against influenza is so important. For example, in a typical influenza season in the United States, about 20% of the population get influenza. Also, according to a 2007 study in the journal Vaccine, more than 330,000 people are hospitalized and more than 41,000 die from influenza and its complications.

"Annual vaccination is the single best way to help prevent influenza," said Parris. He added that, because influenza is so contagious, vaccinating as many people as possible helps prevent the spread of the disease to family, friends, and co-workers.

Although October and November are the recommended months for vaccination, a vaccination given later in the season (December through March) can still help protect you from influenza. Influenza season runs from November through February.

Because the US government recommends influenza vaccinations for almost two thirds of its citizens, pharmacies like Parris Pharmacy and Parris Medical Services are expanding their services to help meet demand.

Mark Parris said that all pharmacy staff administering influenza vaccinations are fully trained and certified, in compliance with state regulations.

The cost of an influenza vaccination is $30.00. Medicare card holders need to bring their Medicare card and all other forms of insurance. For those with other primary insurances, payment will be collected at the time of vaccination and information about filing your claim yourself will be provided.

To learn more about the influenza vaccination program, or to schedule a vaccination appointment, call Parris Medical Services at (706) 632-5222.