by Erin Rice

'Tis much better to take two weeks off work pretending to have the flu while soaking up sun in some tropical locale than to take two weeks off because you actually have the flu.

As of November 2, approximately 103 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed nationwide, with year end totals expected to be as high as 132 million doses. Essentially, this means that you have no excuse not to get vaccinated this year. As such, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have named the week of November 26 through December 2 National Influenza Vaccination Week.

Sure, it looks like fun...

The CDC hopes that in placing NIVW at the end of November, people will understand the importance of continuing flu vaccinations, particularly during the months of November, December, and into 2008. Parents are being reminded that not only should they get immunized but their children over the age of 6 months should as well. Children ages 6 months to 8 years old who are getting their flu shot for the first time, or received only one shot last year for their first time, should get vaccinated twice this year. Forward thinking could prevent what happened last winter when area schools were hit hard with flu related absences, some of which were even forced to suspend classes for a day or more.

While many of the early flu shot locations stopped operating at the end of October, early November, there are still several places in DFW you can go. Aside from the family physician, the following are a few locations where you can find a relatively cheap and easy flu shot:

Minute Clinic - CVS Pharmacy

• Cost: $30 (most insurance accepted; not Blue Cross/Blue Shield)
• Several locations through DFW, most open M-F from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat-Sun 10-4 p.m.
• No appointment necessary
• Find a Minute Clinic near you
• Notes: I visited the Minute Clinic at the CVS off Westchester near Preston and Northwest Highway. Literally showed up at 5:30 p.m., signed in, and within 5 minutes I had my flu shot and was out of there. However, the location I visited was out of pediatric flu shots, so I would call ahead if you plan on taking a child in.

Passport Health

• Cost: $20 - $25
• Three locations in Dallas, Plano, and Grapevine, with a fourth location opening in Fort Worth on December 1.
• You should make an appointment since the different locations are open on different days, which are not listed on the website (817-756-6562).
• Find a Passport Health near you
• Notes: Passport Health will also come to you to provide a flu vaccination/wellness clinic if you have 5 or more people, which you can sign up for on the website. FYI - Passport Health clinics are also the safest places to be during a bio-terrorism attack.

I'd take influenza over a miniature Dennis Quaid any day.

Walgreens

• Cost: $24.99 to $30
• Walgreens pharmacies all through DFW will be offering flu shots on given days. Visit the website to find out what days and times the Walgreens nearest you are open.
• You are encouraged to schedule an appointment.
• Find a Walgreens vaccination date and time near you

County Health Departments

• Free-$25
• Dallas, Tarrant, and Collin counties continue to offer flu shots at various days and times. While usually no appointment is necessary, you should call before visiting to find out whether certain clinics are only for adult or children immunizations, high risk patients, still have doses left, etc.
• Dallas County locations
• Tarrant County locations
• Collin County locations

From someone who suffered through 2006-2007's obstinate flu: get vaccinated if you can. 'Tis much better to take two weeks off work pretending to have the flu while soaking up sun in some tropical locale than to take two weeks off because you actually have the flu. Of course, now I can't do either since everyone knows I got my shot already. Where's that bird flu hype when you need it?

Feel free to leave comments about your experiences or to list other locations offering flu shots in the upcoming months.

Tease photo under Creative Commons license from Flickr user gebodogs.