2010
News
Providing Free Flu Shots through Local Anonymous Donor
Monday, December 20, 2010
Courtesy of an anonymous local donor, Bause’s Super Drug Store, Inc. in Boyertown’s main street district is now providing flu vaccines at no charge through January 7, 2011 to area residents 18 and older in the greater Boyertown Area.
“Thanks to the tremendous generosity of the anonymous donor, we are very excited about this opportunity to provide seasonal flu vaccines free of charge to anyone 18 years and older in the greater Boyertown Area community,” said Jane Mellott, President of Bause’s Super Drug Store. “The donor intended that the vaccines would be administered to those who do not have the financial means to pay for the vaccine themselves.
“The donor has asked to remain anonymous, but did say we should share their personal story of their family’s impactful battle with the flu. They wanted to help those less fortunate to receive the vaccination at no charge. In the true holiday spirit, we enjoy being a part of this feel-good holiday event to help more people in our community remain in good health!
“Requests to receive the vaccination on a ‘financial needs basis’ will be on the honor system,” Mellott continued. “We will not be checking financial records. We feel it isn’t something that we want or need to police. Those coming in between the dates of Dec 24, 2010 and January 7, 2011 will receive the vaccination at no charge.”
According to pharmacy manager, Rebecca (Eddinger) Kuns, Pharm.D., this year's influenza vaccine will protect against three strains of the flu, including H1N1 (also known as Swine Flu).
“It is important that every person gets vaccinated, not only to protect themselves from infection, but also to prevent the spread of influenza to those who are more susceptible,” said Dr. Kuns. “Keep in mind that healthy individuals can carry the flu virus and spread it to others, even if they don't suffer any symptoms themselves. Since cost is no longer an issue – thanks to our donor – we hope that everyone who has not already been vaccinated will do their part and get vaccinated against influenza this season.”
Immunizations are also available to children under 18 years of age by appointment. Home-bound adults or businesses who desire to have Dr. Kuns come to their location to administer the flu shot at no additional charge should call Bause’s at (610) 367-8641 to schedule an appointment.
American Pharmacists Association (APhA) CEO and Executive Vice President Thomas Menighan stated, “The pharmacist is the public’s most accessible health care provider and they play an important role on the health care team in protecting their communities from the spread of disease. We are encouraging consumers to take proactive steps to support their individual and community’s public health care goals. Visit your local pharmacy to get immunized and hold an open discussion with your pharmacist about any questions or concerns you may have regarding the upcoming influenza season or other vaccine preventable diseases.”
The APhA reports that 5 to 20 percent of the US population is infected by influenza annually, resulting in nearly 36,000 deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Consistent with the new recommendations by the CDC and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), APhA recommends that all persons six months of age and older be vaccinated each year. Protection of persons at higher risk for influenza-related complications continues to be a focus of vaccination efforts as providers and programs transition to routine vaccination of all persons older than 6 months.
About Bause's
Located in the heart of Boyertown, Bause’s Super Drug Store, Inc. has been delivering personal, professional service to the community since 1935 and remains dedicated to providing quality pharmaceutical products, professional services and patient education to the Boyertown community.
More information on Bause’s Super Drug Store can be found by visiting www.bauses.com or by calling (610) 367-8641.