The National School District and Walgreens in National City are fighting the flu.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal flu outbreaks can happen as early as October, with flu activity peaking between December and February, although activity can last as late as May.
The center also says flu seasons are unpredictable in their severity.
In combating the flu, the elementary school district in National City and Walgreens Pharmacy at 885 Euclid Ave. have partnered in providing part-time employees at the district with free flu vaccinations.
While full-time teachers and staff at the district can afford flu shots through their insurance and benefits package, more than 300 part-time employees across the district’s eight schools aren’t covered.
“We have noon supervisors, part-time traffic attendants and people who are working minimal hours so they don’t get paid very much,” said board member, Brian Clapper. “They are the ones working with the kids hands-on and need to be protected from the flu.
“And it’s not their fault that they don’t have a full-time job or that they don’t have benefits.”
This is Walgreens and the National School District’s second consecutive year joining forces to prevent a flu outbreak.
School principals notify their part-time employees when Walgreens will have a mobile clinic with a licensed pharmacist on hand to administer the vaccines at the district office. Usually Walgreens hosts two mobile clinics on two different days so people can make it on a day that suits their schedule.
“It’s flu shot season and there shouldn’t be a reason why folks can’t get vaccinated,” said Artan Kerleshi, store manager at Walgreens.
Clapper said protecting the district also means the children will be less susceptible to catching the virus.
“If a kid gets the flu, they are out five days, setting them back academically,” Clapper said. “So if our staff gets a flu shot, it not only protects them, but our kids as well.”
A flu shot varies in cost depending on insurance coverage. But a regular seasonal flu shot costs about $32 at Walgreens; a nasal flu-mist shot runs about $40 and a high-dose vaccine costs about $60.
Kerleshi said the free flu vaccines were made possible under a government voucher program that strictly targets underprivileged families and kids.
“The turnout is always based on need,” Kerleshi said.
