Final flu shots given at Medicine Shoppe

MEL TOADVINE Margaret Hicks of Lehigh comes to the Medicine Shoppe every year ro get her seasonal flu shot. Here Debbie Lasko, a nurse with Maximum Health Care, is shown administering the shot.
More than 55 people showed up one day last week for the final day of flu shots at The Medicine Shoppe in the Lehigh Towne Center. It may be the last large program for season flu shots. However, some drug stores in the county are offering walk-in shots for those who still have not gotten their shots.
Many people get their season flu shots from their private physicians. Others get them at the hospital and still others get them from places like The Medicine Shoppe. At other drug stores, the pharmacist has been trained and certified to give shots.
But Medicine Shoppe owner said he was not interested in giving shots.
“I have my customers to look out for and besides, I think it is better for those who are trained and have given shots before to give them,” said Pharmacist Abdel Aryan R. Ph.
The Medicine Shoppe was filled several weeks ago with people who came to the first session of getting their flu shots. It has been the site for dispensing flu shots for the last several years.

MEL TOADVINE Blanche Miller of Lehigh Acres signs up to get her seasonal flu shot. Marcola Hoyle with Maximum Health Care, takes down the necessary information. Shown in the middle is Mike Buff who helped direct people in the drug store to the proper statons for the shots.
On this last occasion, Mike Buff, a member of the Lehigh Rotary Club, volunteered his services in keeping track of those who came to get vaccinated by giving them a number.
When people first came in, he directed them to a woman at a table who took down insurance information and Medicare numbers for those over 65. Then Marela Hoyte of Maximum Health Services, said she asks questions of the people about what they may be allergic to. The Visiting Nurses Association has also given shots in the county during this pre-flu season.
Medicine Shoppe personnel said they were not involved with any programs that give out the H1N1 (Swine Flu) shots. They are being administered at different sites in the county, including the two high schools in Lehigh.
Swine flu shots had been planned for Nov. 19 at East Lee County High School near Milwaukee Blvd. and on Thomas Sherwin Ave. but were canceled for logistical reasons.
The following is a scheduled put out by the health department for future H1N1 shots.
Nov. 19 from 4 to 9 p.m. at Lehigh Senior High School and at Estero High School; Nov. 21 from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at south fort Myers high School.
The health department has identified those who should get the H1N1 shots. They include, high priority groups, children and young age 6 months through 24 years old., pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months old, healthcare workers and emergency medical services personnel, people ages 25 through 64 who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.
For more information on the Swine Flu vaccines and any other possible locations, contact the Lee County Health Department.
- MEL TOADVINE Blanche Miller of Lehigh Acres signs up to get her seasonal flu shot. Marcola Hoyle with Maximum Health Care, takes down the necessary information. Shown in the middle is Mike Buff who helped direct people in the drug store to the proper statons for the shots.