By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Some Western New Yorkers rolled up their sleeves for a flu shot Monday. The Visiting Nurses Association of Western New York kicked off its immunization campaign at the Boulevard Mall in Amherst.
The mall was packed with shoppers -- many off from work and school for the Columbus Day holiday. But in between shopping, some mall goers took time out to stand in line to receive a flu shot in hopes of preventing influenza.
A number of senior citizens -- often considered at high risk for catching the flu -- were scattered throughout the line. Many say they opted for the mall clinic because their doctor has not yet received the flu vaccine.
"My doctor said he didn't get his supply yet. He says the big companies get more and he's at the bottom of the list," said Mike Incorvia of Cheektowaga.
Incorvia said he's been getting a flu shot for several years, and believes it has kept him healthy during the flu season. For others, like Joyce Cackovich of Hamburg, the mall clinic was very convenient.
"It just happens to be in the right place in the right time," Cackovich said. "Rather than having to go hunting for a clinic, we got it today while shopping."
Bob Choboy of the Town of Tonawanda says he had no choice -- his wife demanded he get his yearly flu shot.
"My wife made me come and get a flu shot," Choboy said. "I should be bowling, golfing or something like that, but it is raining, and if I don't, she won't give me any supper."
But Choboy says he obeyed his wife's order because he realizes she worries about him, and prevention is key to staying healthy.
The Visiting Nurses Association will continue its flu shots for adults and seniors throughout the month at various locations in the Buffalo Niagara region.