Kerr Drug Launches Flu Immunization Program at Local Fairs

PR Log (Press Release) – Sep 30, 2009 – Kerr Drug, the community pharmacy that pioneered the training of clinical pharmacists to administer vaccines to patients, is making seasonal flu shots available at two of North Carolina’s largest local fairs as well as the NC State Fair, to meet the growing demand for flu shots.  Kerr Drug launched its immunizing campaign in early September. The company is also training additional pharmacists, allowing Kerr Drug to assign 115 immunizing pharmacists to its stores throughout North Carolina.

Fair Booth Seasonal Flu Shots
•   Kerr Drug booth at the Dixie Classic Fair in Winston Salem, October 2-11.  
•   Kerr Drug booth at the Cleveland County Fair in Shelby, October 1-10.
•   Kerr Drug Booth at the NC State Fair, October 15-25

Flu shots cost $30 each. Credit Cards are accepted.  Kerr Drug accepts Medicare Part B, Humana Gold Choice, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Federal Blue Cross and NC State Employees with no copay to patients with these plans. Please bring your primary physician’s information.

General Information
Last year, Kerr Drug provided 23,000 flu immunizations.  Approximately 6,000 of those were given at fairs such as the NC State Fair, while the rest were given at Kerr Drug stores and at employer worksites.  Kerr Drug hopes to double the number of immunizations this year to better protect the public health.

“Kerr Drug is a North Carolina based company, and we are pleased to be part of local fairs that celebrate our communities and our state,” says Joe Heidrick, R.Ph, PharmD and Director of Operations for KDI Health Solutions, the clinical subsidiary of Kerr Drug. “Our pharmacists are not just giving seasonal flu shots, they are playing a crucial role in minimizing a pandemic because the flu season is expected to be much worse this year. While anyone can get the flu, it’s important to note senior citizens and young children are at greater risk because their immune systems are often weaker.”