GOUVERNEUR – As flu season approaches, one local pharmacy chain is getting a head start on keeping our community healthy. Kinney Drugs has opened seasonal flu vaccination appointments in all of its pharmacies. The 100% employee-owned pharmacy chain is among the first to receive the vaccines in the North Country. 

Kinney Drugs has an ample supply of vaccines for ages 2-64 in New York and 3-64 in Vermont as well as senior-dose vaccine for seniors age 65+. For the 2025-2026 season, all flu vaccines will be trivalent formulations that protect against three flu viruses: the A(H1N1) virus, the A(H3N2) virus, and the B/Victoria lineage virus. The composition of vaccines is reviewed and adjusted annually to match the circulating strains. 

One Stop Shop: For individuals who want to get up-to-date early, there are additional options including pneumonia, RSV, and shingles vaccines for those who are ages 50 years old and older. Plus, COVID vaccines are expected in August. Often, these vaccines can be administered in the same visit. 

Appointments can be scheduled at KinneyDrugs.com. Just look for the “Pharmacy” tab, and click to “Vaccines and Immunizations” to schedule an appointment. A list of all stores is provided on the website, or you may search by zip code. Patients may also walk-in to their neighborhood Kinney Drugs at a time that is convenient for them. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), while it can vary from year to year, flu season typically starts in October in the United States and generally peaks between December and February. 

“It’s never too early to get ready,” said John Marraffa, R.Ph., President of Kinney Drugs. “At Kinney, we truly care about the people we serve. Our pharmacy teams work hard every day to offer the best care out there—and I’m proud to say we’re fully prepared with plenty of vaccine supply and easy, comfortable options to help our patients and communities stay healthy whenever they’re ready.” 

For example, Kinney is the only regional pharmacy to offer a “comfort vaccination experience” through a partnership with Pain Care Labs. Kinney’s Pharmacists have been trained in immunization comfort techniques and help take the “sting” out of shots with Buzzy® the Vaccine Bee. Buzzy® is a patented bumble bee-shaped device that simultaneously applies ice and vibration to desensitize before the injection as well as distract and disrupt pain transmission for a dramatically more comfortable experience. Buzzy was designed to help adults and children who have needle fear and/or sensitivity.  

While anyone can get sick, research shows that some populations are at a higher risk for developing serious flu-related complications. 

In a few weeks, Kinney will be rolling out a new digital tool to help community members see what vaccines they’re eligible for. Our team looks forward to sharing more details soon. 

For more information about available vaccines, and to schedule an appointment, neighbors are encouraged to visit KinneyDrugs.com.