Matthew Davis was interviewed on NPR's nationwide broadcast of Morning Edition for a segment called, "Pharmacies Inject Convenience Into Flu Shot Market."
The segment discusses the increased offering of flu vaccinations in drug store pharmacies across the country. Since 2007, the number of pharmacists trained to administer vaccines has increased from 40,000 to 150,000 in 2011. Pharmacies are trying to attract customers by offering flexible store hours and not requiring appointments; in addition, for uninsured patients a flu shot at a pharmacy often costs less money than at the doctor's office.
According to the story's author, Jenny Gold, some doctors are OK giving up this service because it is a small service that takes up a large amount of staff time, but others have reservations. "The main concern about pharmacy-based vaccination is that it might somehow discourage patients from otherwise following-up with their doctors," Davis told NPR. Davis explained this is especially important for those patients who only visit the doctor once per year (to get their flu shot), those with chronic illnesses, and uninsured patients.
Matthew Davis interviewed on NPR's Morning Edition about pharmacy-based flu shots
October 10, 2011