The number of people who have tested positive for the flu this season at Putnam Hospital Center (PHC) in Carmel is more than doctors have seen in the past, according to staff.
From Dec. 6 to Jan. 14, 52 people have been diagnosed with the flu, and 17 of them have been accepted as in-patients. Some of them may also have underlying medical conditions that have been exacerbated by the illness, according to Schneider.
"We are still saying, 'If you can get a flu shot, get one,'" she said, adding that people who suspect they are coming down with the flu are encouraged—if possible—to see a physician before visiting the emergency room.
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Some local pharmacies are still offering the shot. Here is what staff members told Patch at about 3 p.m. Wednesday.
- A&P Pharmacy (off Route 22 in Southeast's Lakeview Plaza) should have the vaccine in Thursday morning. Appointments are not required.
- A&P Pharmacy (on Route 22 in Patterson) has the vaccine available. Appointments are required.
- CVS Pharmacy (on Padanaram Road in Danbury, CT) is out of the vaccine. No word on when the store will have it back in stock.
- Rite Aid (off Route 22 in Southeast's Lakeview Plaza) has the vaccine in stock. Appointments are not required.
- ShopRite of Carmel (on Route 52 in Carmel) is out of the vaccine. Staff members are expecting to receive a delivery later in the week.
Without insurance, prices range from $12.49 to $29.99, and not all pharmacies will be administering the vaccine to children. Call the business (click on the link to visit the store's Directory page, where phone numbers are listed) for specifics.
