I have some sort of nasty virus. My brain isn’t working very well so I’m going to crawl back under the covers and make sad sad whimpering sounds. Or, take more theraflu and watch cartoons. Possibly both. But first, I thought I’d fuel my fever-induced paranoia by reading and sharing some flu resources specific to our area.
The Centers for Disease Control website has a section devoted to seasonal flu, including a concise seasonal flu fact sheet.
The CDC website also has a special section with H1N1 (Swine Flu) info, including developments regarding the availability of the H1N1 vaccine.
As you hopefully know by now, the vaccines for seasonal flu viruses and H1N1 are different. While you wait for increased availability of H1N1 vaccination clinics in our area, you can be taking action to protect yourself (and your family) from the seasonal flu.
The City of Alexandria Health Department website directs you to find a flu shot, which is a fairly useful resource. Be sure to call any of the locations it supplies, as some have more limited dates or hours than others. The Health Department does not currently have any flu vaccine available.
The Neighborhood Pharmacy (2204 Mt Vernon Avenue) has had to cancel the seasonal flu shot clinic they had scheduled for October 30th due to the vaccine shortage. They’re still a valuable addition to the community and have an arsenal of supplies and symptom-relief medications in stock to deal with the Fall cold and flu season.
The CVS on Monroe Avenue has a Minute Clinic with walk-in seasonal flu shots:
415 MONROE AVENUE
ALEXANDRIA, VA 22301
Phone: 703-683-4433
MinuteClinic® Hours
Mo-Fr: 09:00 AM - 08:00 PM
Sa: 09:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Su: 10:00 AM - 05:30 PM
Seasonal flu Shots are available every day at MinuteClinic, while supplies last. No appointment necessary. Pneumonia shots are also available. Children must be 18 months or older to receive a flu shot at this clinic.
Flu shots are available at a lot of other pharmacies in the area (Shopper’s in Potomac Yard, Target in Potomac Yard, Giant, Safeway, etc) but each has variable hours or specific dates and times that make it too much work to post about here. The CVS has daily, posted hours and doesn’t require appointments, so it was the easiest place to post about. I’ve gone there before for flu shots and have always had a positive experience. Many employers are holding flu shot clinics, as are gyms, schools, and, of course, physician’s offices.
One last thing before I crawl back under the covers: the City’s Be Ready Alexandria! For a Pandemic Flu Outbreak flyer is available as a pdf. The brochure is available in English, Spanish or Amharic.
Be well, neighbors.
