Let the panic begin

Flu season soon will be underway at Target, as the retailer begins administering vaccinations Oct. 3 through Nov. 7 at prices that start at $24. Demand for seasonal flu vaccines is at an all time high this fall amid growing concerns about the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu. Target points out that the regular seasonal flu vaccine does not protect against H1N1, yet concerns over that strain of the illness are clearly driving increased demand for regular flu vaccinations. In addition, there continues to be a fair amount of hype and contradiction at play as medical professionals don’t want to dismiss the potential severity of the illness. Target quotes the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as saying nearly everyone should protect him or herself against the flu, but also notes that older people, young children and those with underlying medical conditions are at the greatest risk of experiencing serious flu complications.