Several Newton Pharmacies Out of Flu Shots; More Shipments on the Way

Updated 4 p.m.

With a flu epidemic that has swept the region--and much of the country--many local pharmacies are running low on flu shots as the public rushes to get last-minute vaccinations.

As of early Monday afternoon, most of Newton's pharmacies were out of the flu shot, but several reported more shipments were on the way:

• CVS West Newton - Pharmacist reports that the pharmacy is all out of flu shots and is unsure at this time when a new shipment will be in. 

• - Similar to West Newton, the pharmacist reports that the location is all out of the flu shot and is unsure as to when a new shipment will be in. 

• CVS Newton Centre - All out at the moment, but the pharmacist says a new shipment will probably be in tomorrow. Call in advance if you're looking to get a flu shot to make sure there is a supply.

• CVS Newtonville - All out at this time, but a new shipment could be in toward the end of the week. Call in advance to check.

• Walgreens Four Corners - Flu shots currently in stock.

• Walgreens Newton Centre - All out at the moment, but waiting on a shipment that is likely to come in later today. Call in advance to check. 

• Walgreens Washington Street - All out at the moment, but pharmacist says another shipment is on its way. Call in advance to check.

Before heading out to get a shot, pharmacists urged locals to call the pharmacy in advance to make sure flu vaccines are available.

The Newton Dept. of Health & Human Services is also offering free flu shots this week, by appointment. The city is partnering with Newton-Wellesley Hospital to offer the appointment-only flu shot clinic at the Newton Free Library. 

According to Newton Public Health & Program Specialist Teresa Wood Kett, the city still has flu shots available and residents are welcome to call and make an apponintment for the clinic this week.

To schedule a time for the clinic, call the Newton-Wellesley Hospital Carefinder appointment line at 617-243-5900. The clinic is open to all and non-Newton residents may schedule appointments.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, the flu shot may be harder to find now than it was earlier in the season, but those who did not get the flu shot should still try to get vaccinated. The vaccine is "the most important step" in fighting the virus, the CDC says.

Last week, Newton Health & Human Services Commissioner Dori Zaleznik reported that Newton has had 131 confirmed cases of the flu so far this season, a significant jump from last season.

At this time last year, the city had no confirmed cases of the flu, Zaleznik said, and just two cases were confirmed the entire season.