Although the much-trumpeted vaccine for Covid-19 vaccine is still unavailable, flu shots can be had at multiple locations on the Outer Cape. And this year, just like every other year, getting one is important — maybe more important than ever.
Here is a guide for where to get your flu shot locally:
CVS, Provincetown
If one thing is certain, it’s that Cape Cod is unusually busy for this time of year. Anyone who tried to get a flu shot at CVS in Provincetown and was told they were being placed on a waiting list of 500 people probably knows this.
The high number of flu shot requests was likely due to the extra visitors here because of the pandemic. It caught CVS off guard, quickly depleting their limited stock.
The pharmacy reports that it has received a large order of vaccine doses and employees are now calling those on the waiting list — though many of those people have since left the area or gotten their flu shots elsewhere.
“We have ample supply of vaccines on hand,” said Matthew Blanchette, a CVS spokesman, “and are not currently experiencing or anticipating widespread shortages for the months when demand for the flu shot is at its peak. If a local store temporarily runs low on its supply due to high demand in the area, it will be replenished as quickly as possible. We consistently monitor inventory to ensure that any isolated supply issues are resolved quickly.”
If you were on the waiting list and have not been called, call the pharmacy. Appointments for shots can be schedule online or by calling (508) 487-0019. Limited walk-in appointments are available.
The pharmacy is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Outer Cape Health Services, Wellfleet and Provincetown
OCHS’s Outer Cape clinics have also been slammed by flu shot requests, though they say they have been able to manage. According to spokesman Gerry Desautels, they are on track to have administered 45 percent more shots than last year.
Wellfleet is holding a flu clinic by appointment between 9:20 and 11:40 a.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 10.
Provincetown will hold a flu clinic by appointment on Saturday, Nov. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. You can also schedule a flu shot during regular patient appointment hours. To make an appointment, call (508) 905-2888.
OCHS is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday until 6 p.m.; closed Saturday and Sunday.
Stop & Shop, Provincetown
There are limited walk-in appointments at the Stop & Shop pharmacy; to schedule an appointment, call (508) 487-3738 ext. 0.
The pharmacy is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
