Contributed

Kerr Drug, the community pharmacy that pioneered the training of clinical pharmacists to administer vaccines, is kicking off its 2012 flu shot campaign, a news release said.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommend getting the flu shot as early as possible, so Kerr Drug pharmacists are providing vaccinations during operating hours at all of its stores throughout North Carolina, no appointment necessary.

"The protection from flu shots only lasts for one flu season, so people need to get a new shot this year," says Anthony "Tony" Civello, CEO of Kerr Drug. "The good news is that, unlike previous years, there is no issue with H1N1 or three different strains. It is a simple shot for this year's strain only."

The CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu shot because a vaccine offers the best protection against the flu. This recommendation has been in place since February 2010. The upcoming season's flu vaccine will protect against the three influenza viruses that research indicates will be most common during the season. This includes an influenza A (H1N1) virus, an influenza A (H3N2) virus, and an 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 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.