Raleigh, NC -- (SBWIRE) -- 09/15/2009 -- Kerr Drug, the community pharmacy that pioneered the training of clinical pharmacists to administer vaccines to patients, is making flu shots available immediately to meet what is expected to be an unprecedented demand for flu shots. The company is also training additional pharmacists, allowing Kerr Drug to assign 115 immunizing pharmacists to its stores throughout North Carolina. Because of the additional resources Kerr Drug is deploying this flu season, the Department of Public Health has chosen Kerr Drug to be one of the first pharmacies to administer the H1N1pandemic flu vaccine later this year.

“Our pharmacists are not just giving seasonal flu shots, they are playing a crucial role in minimizing a pandemic,” says Joe Heidrick, R.Ph, PharmD and Director of Operations for KDI Health Solutions, the clinical subsidiary of Kerr Drug. “Senior citizens and young children are at greater risk of not only getting the flu but also of potentially fatal complications because their body’s immune system is weaker. Those risks are even greater this year because this flu season is expected to be much worse.”

H1N1 Flu Vaccine
Beginning in mid to late October, Kerr Drug’s certified immunizing pharmacists will administer seasonal flu shots in tandem with the H1N1 pandemic flu vaccine. Kerr Drug will follow the guidelines set forth by the Centers for Disease Control’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices: The priority groups to receive the vaccine are:

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts of infants under six months
• Healthcare and emergency-services workers
• Young people between six months and 24 years of age regardless of health status
• And nonelderly adults with underlying risk condition, such as diabetes and chronic lung disease.

About Kerr Drug
Kerr Drug is one of the most recognized and respected names in the chain drug industry. With its roots in the Carolinas and headquarters in Raleigh, N.C., Kerr Drug's strategic direction is founded in its unique ability to provide patients, the medical community, and health plans access to the most comprehensive and convenient health and wellness offering in the industry. With a mission to be the most comprehensive provider of pharmacy and related healthcare services, while continuing to be the most reliable provider of health-related and convenience items, Kerr is currently providing services that far exceed the traditional drug store mix. For more information, please visit http://www.kerrdrug.com.