The new vaccine looks a lot like the old vaccine, but that doesn’t mean you can let your guard down when it comes to getting protection against the flu. So Kerr Drug, the community pharmacy that pioneered the training of clinical pharmacists to administer vaccines is kicking off its 2011 flu shot campaign in August, providing vaccinations during operating hours at most of its stores throughout North Carolina, no appointment necessary. Kerr Drug will also provide flu vaccines at its booth during the 2011 North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh, October 13-23.

“The protection from flu shots only lasts for one flu season, so people need to get a new shot this year even though the vaccine is similar to last year’s,” says Anthony “Tony” Civello, CEO of Kerr Drug. “The good news is that people will only need to get one flu shot this year because the 2011-2012 vaccine will protect against the H1N1 flu as well as seasonal flu.”

As it did last year, the Centers for Disease Control recommends everyone six months and older get a flu shot because a vaccine offers the best protection against the flu. The 2011-2012 version of the flu vaccine will protect against the H1N1 flu and two other seasonal flu viruses- influenza A virus ( H3N2) and a type of influenza B virus.

“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. It’s never been easier to get a flu shot and it offers the best protection against the flu,” adds Civello.

Kerr Drug kicks off its flu vaccine program as a new CDC study shows pharmacies are the most popular alternative to the doctor’s office for influenza vaccinations and their popularity is quickly gaining speed. While 39.8% of adults received vaccines in a doctor’s office, pharmacies and supermarkets came in second with 18.4%. During the 2006-07 influenza season, only 7% of adults were vaccinated in pharmacies and supermarkets.

The CDC says the 2010-2011 season peaked in February and featured higher rates of hospitalization for older people and lower rates for younger people than in 2009-2010 during the H1N1 pandemic, when children were more likely than the elderly to get H1N1. Overall, last year’s flu season was less severe than the 2009-2010 pandemic year. Typically, about one in five people get the flu every year with most cases reported between January and March.

Kerr Drug accepts most major insurance plans, including Medicare Part B, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Blue Cross Federal, NC State Health Plan, and Humana Gold Choice. For all others, flu shots cost $30 each. Credit cards are accepted.