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GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. – Kinney Drugs has opened seasonal flu vaccination appointments in all its pharmacies. The 100% employee-owned pharmacy chain said it has ample supply of vaccines for ages 2-64 in New York and ages 3-64 in Vermont as well as senior-dose vaccine for seniors age 65 and over. While flu vaccines have been used for more than 50 years in the U.S., the composition of vaccines is reviewed annually. For the 2024-2025 season, all flu vaccines will be trivalent formulations that protect against three flu viruses: the A(H1N1) virus, the A(H3N2) virus, and the B/Victoria virus.
“Anyone can get sick with influenza – even healthy people – and serious problems can happen to anyone at any age. However, some people are at higher risk of developing serious flu-related complications, including individuals 65 and older, people with chronic medical conditions (asthma, diabetes, heart disease, etc.), pregnant people, and children younger than five, but especially younger than two. It’s important that people get vaccinated each year, and I am very proud that our pharmacy teams are prepared with ample vaccine and a variety of more comfortable vaccination options,” said John Marraffa, president of Kinney Drugs Drugs.
Kinney Pharmacists offer several options to help make patients more comfortable during vaccinations:
• Senior Vaccines – Kinney Drugs is fully stocked with senior-dose flu vaccine for those age 65+ as well as other senior vaccines such as pneumonia, RSV, and shingles. Often, these vaccines can be administered in the same visit.
• Walk-ins Welcome – In addition to walk-ins, appointments are also available at www.kinneydrugs.com.
• “Vax the Fam” Family Appointments – Kinney’s goal is to make pediatric vaccination appointments for the flu and COVID as easy and pleasant a possible for both children and their parents and caregivers by offering family appointments for up to four people at once. Kinney staff also offer fun distraction activities as well as a small post-shot treat for children.
• Buzzy the Vaccine Bee – Kinney is the only area pharmacy to offer a “comfort vaccination experience” through a partnership with Pain Care Labs. Kinney’s Pharmacists have been trained in immunization comfort techniques and help take the “sting” out of shots with Buzzy the Vaccine Bee. Buzzy is a patented bumble bee-shaped device that simultaneously applies ice and vibration to desensitize before the injection as well as distract and disrupt pain transmission for a dramatically more comfortable experience. Buzzy was designed to help adults and children who have needle fear and/or sensitivity.
