Not Too Late for Flu Shots—Flu Bug is Running Rampant in the Area

Do you know someone who has the flu? Have you had the flu yourself? Well, its pretty likely that anyone reading this in the greater Washington, DC/Baltimore area knows that the flu has come to town.

This Google Flu Map shows how widespread the flu is across the country (the red areas are “intense” and the orange areas are “high”). The table with the blue line tracks the flu in Baltimore. The week before last looks like it may have peaked, but we’ll only know that when the flu season is over.

Google’s map does not count on hospital data, as does the Centers for Disease Control Flu Map. Instead, Google track users who use specific search terms. The Google map is updated in real time, while the CDC map lags about two weeks behind. .

The Anne Arundel County Department of Health wants you to know that if you haven’t had the flu yet, it isn’t too late to get a flu shot. Both the Annapolis and the Glen Burnie health centers are open regular hours on weekdays to provide either the flu shot or the nasal spray vaccine. A high-dose shot for seniors is available on a limited basis. Appointments are necessary.

In Annapolis, the Health Department at 1950 Drew Street (410-222-7247) offers appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 3:30 p.m. Flu shots are free, but donations of $20 are appreciated. Medicare Part B covers the $20 donation, but individuals must bring their Medicare cards.

In South County, Owensville Primary Care at 134 Owensville Road in West River (410-867-4700) had vaccine on January 28 according to their Facebook page. Call ahead to see if they have it before heading over.

In addition, most of the major grocers with pharmacies offer flu shots as well as area drug stores. Here’s a list:

• CVS, 3025 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater (410-798-8715)
  Cost: $31.99, accepts insurance
  Age: 18 and older
  Hours: walk-in appointments
  Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
  Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  Sunday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• CVS Minute Clinic
  No appointment necessary
  Age: starting at 2 years old
• Kmart
  3255 Solomons Island Road (South River Colony Marketplace), Edgewater (410-956-0053)
  Cost: $19.99 with Kmart savings card; $24.99 without card; accepts most insurance
  Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Rite Aid
  110 Mitchells Chance Road, Edgewater (410-956-9411)
  Cost: $29.99, accepts insurance
  Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  

  Getting a flu shot doesn’t take long.

• Safeway
  52 West Central Avenue, Edgewater (410-919-1156)
  Cost: $30, accepts insurance
  Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
• Super Giant
  13 Lee Airpark Drive, Edgewater (410-956-4150)
  Cost: $30, accepts insurance
  Monday-Friday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Walgreens
  3106 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater (410-956-8319)
  Cost: $31.99, accepts insurance
  Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.