GOUVERNEUR, N.Y. – Kinney Drugs has opened flu vaccination appointments in all its pharmacies in New York and Vermont. The 100% employee-owned pharmacy chain has ample supply of vaccines for ages 2-64 in New York and 3-64 in Vermont as well as high-dose vaccine for seniors age 65+. Its pharmacists also offer several options designed to make patients more comfortable:

1. Buzzy the Vaccine Bee – Kinney is the only area 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 during the poke itself for a dramatically more comfortable experience. Buzzy was designed to help adults and children who have needle fear and/or sensitivity and is ONLY available from Kinney Drugs Pharmacists.  Clinically, Buzzy® uses natural “gate control” pain relief by confusing the body’s own nerves, thereby dulling, or even eliminating sharp pain. When nerves receive non-painful signals such as vibration or cold, the brain “closes the gate” on pain.
2. Needle-free Vaccinations — In select locations, Kinney offers vaccinations via PharmaJet® needle-free “jet injectors” which use a jet of air instead of a needle to administer the vaccine, making for a more comfortable vaccination experience for those with needle fear. By request in all locations, Kinney Pharmacists can administer a nasal mist flu vaccine (ages 2-49).
3. Vax the Fam” Family Appointments – Kinney Pharmacists know that in general, children tend to need more care when receiving shots than adults do. It can be a bit scary for them. Kinney’s goal is to make pediatric vaccination appointment(s) as easy and pleasant as possible for both children and their parents and caregivers by offering:
4.  “Vax the Fam” Family appointments for up to three people at once.
5. Dedicated afterschool appointments and longer appointment times to ensure that children have time to adjust and feel more comfortable.
6. Fun distraction activities as well as a small post-shot treat for children.

“Australia is just coming out of its winter flu season, which can be a predictor of what we may experience here in the U.S.  Unfortunately, Australia was hit with a wave of flu cases that exceeded its five-year average coupled with a significant rise in COVID-19 cases, raising concerns that we may face a similar ‘twindemic’ here this fall and winter. It’s especially important that people protect themselves with an annual flu shot (and COVID booster if indicated). I am very proud that our pharmacy teams are prepared with ample vaccine and more comfortable vaccination options,” said John Marraffa, president of Kinney Drugs.