Walmart in Monroe Offering Flu Shots

As the winter season approaches, medical officials are urging certain members of the public to get a flu shot as a precautionary measure. Walmart in Monroe has Mollen Clinics offering the service daily between 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

There is no co-pay or out-of-pocket expenses if you have Medicare Part B as your primary insurer or for certain insurance plans.

The following people are recommended to get a flu shot, according to the Walmart website.

• Kids from the age of 6 months to 19 years
• Seniors over the age of 50
• Individuals with certain chronic medical conditions
• Nursing home residents
• Health care workers and anyone that encounters high-risk individuals, for the sake of others

According to medical professionals, it is a myth that the flu shot can actually cause flu. The three flu viruses are killed, meaning they cannot cause infection. Side-effects can be experienced though. These include soreness where the shot was given as well as minor fever and aches. The CDC also warns of possible serious allergic reaction although these are rare. Patients are urged to call a doctor right away if experiencing any breathing problems, wheezing, paleness, weakness, fast heartbeat or dizziness.

The CDC also notes that some individuals should not be vaccinated without first consulting a doctor. These include:

• people who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs
• people who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination
• people who developed Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of getting an influenza vaccine
• children less than 6 months of age and people who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever.

For more information, go to the Walmart website. The shots are not offered at the Loganville Walmart, according to the site.