Better Get That Flu Shot, Department of Health Says

Updated: Sunday 11:02 a.m. with information about flu vaccine policies regarding children

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Health is urging people who have not received influenza vaccinations this season to sign up as soon as possible. Health officials pointed to a rise in flu cases in recent weeks.

“Since mid-January there has been a notable increase in the number of people visiting a doctor with influenza-like illness and in the number of specimens testing positive for influenza. A similar pattern is being seen across the Southeastern U.S.,” State Health Commissioner Karen Remley said in a press release.

The Centers for Disease Control and Surveillance reported 19 flu-related deaths in the United States as of Jan. 29, and two have been confirmed in Virginia. The Virginian-Pilot reported yesterday that one of those deaths was a child in Northern Virginia. The other death was a child from Virginia's eastern region.

The VDH urges the elderly and those with underlying medical problems to contact their physicians for flu-related treatment.

Physicians and pharmacies are still issuing flu shots, and those who are not vaccinated still have time to avoid getting a case of end-of-winter flu. Flu season runs from December to March.

More information about the flu vaccination can be found at www.vdh.virginia.gov.

The following locations in and around Burke are offering flu shots:

• SAFEWAY, 9596 Old Keene Mill Rd, Burke (703) 440-1344; offering flu shots until April 1. M-F 9 a.m. - 8 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Seasonal flu shot charge: $30 (also offered to children) Insurance accepted. Flu Shot: Age 8 and above; FluMist age 5 and above. Walk-ins welcome; many insurance plans accepted. To get a vaccine for children, Safeway pharmacy requires consent from a pediatrician either called in or via prescription.
• Target, 10301 New Guinea Road, Fairfax, (703) 764-5112; offering flu shots until March 31; 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday-Sunday; Seasonal flu shot charge: $24. No shots for for anyone under 18 - only shots are in stock, no FluMist.
• Giant, Monday -6011 Burke Ctr Pwky, Burke 22015 (703) 425-0360; Pharmacy open 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Monday - Friday, 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday. Burke Patch commenter Molly said that Giant reports it has not had the flu shot since December. Their pharmacist will be in on Monday, February 14 to make special arrangements if requested and feasible. Insurance accepted. Without insurance, cost is $25 with a bonus card, $30 without. There's also a $10 off coupon online valid through Feb. 28. Call ahead to make sure the pharmacist who gives out flu shots is working.

This story was written by Sabrina Barekzai, Capital News Service with contributions by Mary Ann Barton, editor of Fairfax Station Patch and Rachael Dickson, editor of Burke Patch.