Needle-less Flu Shots Have Arrived at a Pharmacy Near You

They don’t make them like they used to. 

Earlier this week, Giant Eagle announced that it would carry pressurized flu shots as an alternative for customers who may have a fear of traditional needle injection, public relations representative Dan Donovan said. 

The new PharmaJet pressurized shot works on a spring device that allows a high-velocity stream of liquid medication to penetrate the skin in less than .33 seconds, he said. 

However, needle or no needle, patients should expect a brief moment of discomfort during the hypodermic vaccination. 

The price is $25, the new delivery method is available at all Giant Eagle pharmacies and customers still have the option of needle injection.

According to the Center for Disease Control, annual flu vaccinations are recommended to help protect one’s system against H3N2, influenza B and H1N1. 

Flu shots are highly recommended for: 

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or provide care for children younger than six months of age
• Health care and emergency medical service personnel
• People six months to 24 years of age
• People 25 to 64 years of age who are at higher risk for flu complications because of an underlying   health condition or compromised immune system