Everywhere I went last week, I noticed signs advertising flu shots. There's a walk-in clinic that I pass frequently and also pharmacies nearby, such as Walgreen's and CVS.I even noticed the pharmacy at Stop & Shop had a sign saying that the flu shot would be only $10 with your store card.
A couple of days ago, I stopped in to Walgreen's and asked if I could get my shot. The pharmacy assistant told me that the pharmacist would be back in one hour. I really didn't have time to wait, so I continued on my way. This morning I used the internet to look up locations and made a couple of calls.
Stop & Shop didn't have the needed pharmacist there today. He'd be in tomorrow and as always they said "It's best to call ahead." Hmmmmm....Ok, stopping in didn't work the other day, but I gave Walgreen's a call. "Yes", the person on the phone said,"we're giving out the shots today." I headed right over there. Their price was $24.99; but I decided that it's better to get the shot and quit shopping around and hoping to catch an appropriate time at another location.
After filling out a page about general health, medications and naming my primary care physician, I was told to sit down and they would call me. Four other people followed suit and we all waited. After about 5 minutes I was called in and was given my flu shot. It was quick and painless and I was on my way....hopefully guarded by at least one strain of the flu which may visit us this year.
I really liked the convenience of being able to get routine medical treatment at various locations, as compared to securing an appointment at a doctor's office and waiting around. I think this idea has become popular and well-received by most people. You kind of have the feeling that it's just part of your shopping day!
Although I had to pay cash for the immunization, I would have had to pay a co-pay amount for an office visit at the doctor's office anyhow, so it actually just about evens out.
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