Fight the flu

National Influenza Vaccination Week is Dec. 2-8

MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Tracy Wolfe, a pharmacist in Morgantown, knows how important it is to give members of her community easy access to flu shots.

“A pharmacist is often the first healthcare professional a patient sees. We can help stop the flu from spreading by offering vaccinations,” she said. “It’s a great service we can offer our existing patients, as well as other members of the community.”

In 2008, legislation was passed allowing pharmacists in the state of West Virginia to administer certain immunizations, including the influenza vaccination.

Wolfe, a graduate of the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy, is proud to support the WVU chapter of the American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) in its efforts to raise awareness about National Influenza Vaccination Week, which is Dec. 2-8.

“Our WVU student pharmacists are doing a great job in raising awareness about the importance of getting flu shots,” she said. “It’s nice to see that our future healthcare professionals are already taking such an interest this early in their studies in working to keep our community healthy through educational efforts.”

The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources Division of Immunization Services announced that pharmacists may now offer shingles, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A and Tdap — Tetanus, diptheria and pertussis (whooping cough) — in addition to influenza and pneumococcal vaccines.

“Vaccines improve the level of patient care we provide by preventing illnesses and promoting wellness,” Wolfe said. “Pharmacists are easily accessible and available to administer and discuss vaccinations, which is also very convenient for the customer.”

The Centers for Disease Control recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get vaccinated yearly for the flu. Adults who would like to obtain their vaccination at a local pharmacy should speak with the pharmacist about cost, insurance coverage and clinic times.

“Remember that Dec. 2-8 is National Influenza Vaccination Week,” Wolfe added. “Be sure to contact your local pharmacist about getting your flu shot to stay healthy this season.”

For more information about the WVU School of Pharmacy, visit http://pharmacy.hsc.wvu.edu.

Photo identification: Tracy Wolfe, R.Ph.