Flu, Pneumonia Shots Available in Raleigh Tuesday

The Medical Review of North Carolina is sponsoring a flu and pneumonia shot clinic in Raleigh, Tuesday.

The clinic takes place at the YWCA on East Hargett Street through 3 p.m. The flu shot costs $15; the pneumonia shot costs $25. There is no charge if you have Medicare Part-B and bring your card

People age 65 or older are urged to get the vaccine as soon as possible.

Close to 2,000 North Carolina seniors die every year from the flu and pneumonia. Still, less than two-thirds get the shot to prevent the flu virus and even less are vaccinated against pneumonia.

Health officials say fear and misunderstandings are the main reasons people do not get immunized.

Flu and pneumonia shots are usually received in October, but there is still time to get one. Health officials say it only takes about two weeks for the vaccine to work itself into your body.

"It's not too late, because, most often, the flu does peak in North Carolina in February, so it's not too late to come out and get you flu shot," Randee Gordon, project coordinator.