AP File Photo A man gets a flu vaccine shot during the 2016 season in Louisville, Ky.

MARTINS FERRY — It’s nearly that time of year again — cold and flu season — and with that in mind people may be thinking about getting their annual influenza

vaccination.

The flu sickens thousands of people each year and also kills about 30,000 people per year. The vaccine is recommended for those at least 6 months old and for the elderly.

Those whose immune systems are compromised and cannot receive the vaccine can be protected by those who do.

Scientists call this “herd immunity.”

Many people may opt to get their shot at their doctor’s office or health department.

But for those who want to get a shot while shopping, most local pharmacies offer the flu shot without an appointment.

Those who have health insurance or Medicare Part B coverage likely won’t have to worry about any out-of-pocket expense.

For those who don’t have Medicare or regular health insurance, here is a sampling of cash prices locally:

– St. Clairsville Walmart pharmacy, $39.88;

– Martins Ferry CVS, about $40 but with a store discount card the price may be reduced;

– Target CVS Pharmacy at The Highlands, $22 with pharmacy discounts, customers also receive a $5 Target coupon to use elsewhere in store;

– Bridgeport Riesbeck’s, $30; and

– Cheffy Drugs of Barnesville, $30.

Pat Kovacs, pharmacist at Cheffy Drugs of Barnesville, said his independent store has been offering the flu shot for the past seven years.

He offers appointments to his customers. However, if he is not too busy filling prescriptions he can take a walk-in customer.

He will start offering the shot in late September into early October, otherwise he believes it wears off too soon before the end of the season.

“We’ve become a destination for it.

“For a long time people used to think they had to get it at their doctor’s office or at a clinic in a store.

“We’ve done a good job industry-wide of promoting that pharmacists can give the vaccine,” Kovacs said.

“There is a lot of misinformation out there, but they do definitely serve a purpose and it’s definitely a saver of health care dollars in the future,” he added.