CENTRE — Local pharmacist Tracy Bishop said there hasn't been a widespread influenza outbreak since 2009. But he insisted that fact is no reason for people in Cherokee County to dismiss the importance of getting a flu shot before the holidays.

“What we're seeing in almost every county with a reported case is Influenza A, which is covered by the flu shot,” said Bishop, who has owned Dean’s Pharmacy in Centre since 1991. “It’s not too late to get the shot.”

Bishop said his pharmacy has been offering flu shots for several years. But he said the place people go to receive their shot is not his biggest concern.

“It doesn't matter where you get it, just get it,” he said. “That’s my message.”

Several other pharmacies in town, along with the county’s Department of Public Health, offer flu shots.

Bishop said the cases of influenza that have been reported so far in Alabama seem to be concentrated in two age groups—kids ages 4 to 12 and adults ages 24 to 36.

“The largest percentage of cases, so far, is in those age groups, and they typically don't get flu shots,” he said. “Not getting the shot keeps adults off the job and keeps kids out of school — sometimes for weeks.”

Bishop said all his employees get a shot because of the potential exposure to so many types of illness. He said he believes everyone else should, too.

“This is a preventable disease, and there's no reason not to prevent it,” Bishop said. “And you can't get sick from the shot. That's a misconception.”

Bishop said pregnant women should get a shot. He said it is also important for the elderly to protect themselves.

“Anyone with no spleen should definitely get a shot, too, because they are more prone to disease,” he said. “And all children should get a flu shot.”

Bishop said the current flu shot covers the strand of Swine flu (officially known as H1N1) responsible for an outbreak in 2009, as well as other strains of illness.

“Another A type of influenza, H3N2, and the B-type of the flu, are also covered by this shot,” Bishop said.

Bishop said he hasn't seen a tapering off of interest in receiving the flu shot since the 2009 outbreak—and he considers that a good sign.

“I think people understand that vaccinations are more important,” he said. “We've given as many shots this year as last year, if not more. I imagine it's the same at the doctor's offices and other stores.”

Bishop said anyone covered by Medicare can get the shot for free at his pharmacy. The cost is $20 for anyone whose insurance doesn't cover it.

“People don't mind paying, because $20 is a cheap price,” he said.

Bishop said Dean's offers the shots year-round, but he recommends receiving it in the fall of the year to ensure maximum protection against illness.

“The big time of year for us is January, that's when the largest outbreaks occur,” he said.

“That's because everybody is together during the holidays, and that's when illness spreads.”

Bishop said the manufacturer claims the shot remains effective for a full year. He suggests the actual life of the vaccine is closer to about four months.

“Now is the time for the shot,” he said. “It takes about three weeks to build up in the system after the shot is administered.”

Bishop again said his number one concern is getting out the word that everyone should take part in this form of preventative medicine.

“This is a preventable disease and there is an inexpensive way to prevent it, even if you're not on Medicare,” he said. “And if you're on Medicare, there is no excuse for not getting a flu shot.”