NEW YORK — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Health Commissioner Thomas Farley received flu shots this weekend at a Duane Reade pharmacy.

Walgreen Co., parent of the metropolitan New York drug chain, said that Bloomberg and Farley were administered seasonal flu vaccines at a Duane Reade in the city borough of the Bronx. The city officials said their action demonstrates the importance of taking steps to prevent the spread of flu.

"Nobody enjoys getting a shot, but I’ll tell you what’s even worse — getting sick with the flu," Bloomberg said at the event. "Every year, New Yorkers lose their lives to the flu, and a flu shot is the single most important protection against getting sick and spreading the flu to others. I urge everyone to go to their doctor, local health clinic or pharmacy and get a flu shot as soon as they can."

According to Bloomberg’s website, the city health department is working with Walgreens and Duane Reade to make flu shot vouchers readily available for people who lack health insurance or can’t afford the cost of a flu vaccination.

The drug chain added that besides the traditional flu shot, all Duane Reade and Walgreens pharmacies also offer Fluzone HD, a high-dose influenza vaccine for people age 65 and older.

"A perfect example of preventive care is getting your annual flu shot to protect yourself and your loved ones," Walgreens market vice president Jeff Koziel said in a statement. "And no one makes it easier to get immunized in New York City than Duane Reade and Walgreens. Flu shots are available at our pharmacies daily, with no appointment necessary during all pharmacy hours. We appreciate Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Farley recognizing the important role of community pharmacists in health care."

The pharmacy chain noted that its recent Walgreens Flu Impact Report revealed the impact of the flu on people’s everyday lives. For example, the survey of 1,200 Americans found that last flu season millions of life’s special events may have been affected, including more than 600,000 graduations missed, over 1 million weddings not attended, more than 3 million vacations canceled or interrupted, nearly 5 million holiday celebrations missed and over 5 million sporting events missed.