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Need a flu shot? Don’t just walk in, health experts say

If you’ve needed a flu shot in the past, walking in without an appointment wouldn’t cause much troubles.

That’s no longer the case, according to the CDC and several pharmacies that are now strongly recommending anyone needing an influenza vaccine book an appointment.

“While no important delays have been reported, in some places, robust demand for vaccine and supplies required to support flu vaccination efforts, like needles or syringes, may mean that some providers run out of vaccine or other supplies before their next shipment has arrived,” the CDC stated.

With ongoing staffing and supply shortages stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, walk-in patients are often being asked to come on a different day or book an appointment for a specific time in the future.

“Scheduling a flu vaccination appointment in advance is highly recommended,” Monica Prinzing, a senior communications consultant with CVS Health, wrote in an email. “Walk-in appointments are also welcome at CVS Pharmacy throughout flu season, pending availability.”

While most pharmacies are not reporting any supply shortages, an independent pharmacy located in the South Sound tells KIRO 7 it’s having trouble acquiring a supply of influenza vaccinations for those 65 and older.

Most pharmacies point to high demand for a variety of pharmaceutical needs, resulting in less time throughout the days for walk-in patients.

“(We’re) very busy at the pharmacy,” Kasey Daley, a pharmacist at QFC in Enumclaw, said. “We’re balancing filling prescriptions and vaccination patients… Demand is up on all sorts of vaccines, but we have not had a problem keeping them in stock.”

Daley said walk-ins are accommodated, if possible, but those with appointments will get first priority. This has resulted in some patients being turned away and asked to return at a later date.

“We definitely are encouraging appointments for vaccines,” Daley said. “It does help us balance our work flow: know who to expect, what’s coming in for the day, and make sure we have the vaccine in stock.”

Marita Rodriguez, who lives in the Tacoma area, had originally planned to walk-in for her flu shot this week.

“Oh, I’ll be darned,” she said. “Well, I don’t mind. Everybody’s backed up with everything… You have to have patience nowadays. You wait everywhere you go. And there’s nothing you can do getting upset. I just hope I don’t catch it before I get there.”

Doug Taylor, who got his flu shot at the same time he was administered his Pfizer booster shot, expressed a similar sentiment while expressing gratitude for medical professionals.

“You know, my (hat’s) off to them for being out there, working, and helping us out,” he said. “If there’s any way we can help them out and make thier lives a little bit better, I’m all for that.”