Mariya Abedi An all-in-one flu shot protects against the traditional flu as well as the H1N1 virus.

Last year everyone was talking about the swine flu but modern medicine has made some changes to make your life a little easier and less painful. Now an all-in-one flu shot is widely available, so you don’t have to get injected twice.

While flu shots were offered for free to all public school students last year, including schools in the East Village, the vaccines won’t be available in schools this year.

The Department of Health still recommends every New Yorker older than six months get a shot or nasal spray but check with your doctor.

While you can get a flu shot at your doctor’s office, some pharmacies in the East Village will carry the vaccine starting this month, including the New York City Pharmacy, 206 First Avenue,
 and Avenue C Pharmacy & Surgical, 
178 Avenue C. CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid pharmacies will also carries the vaccine.

CVS and Walgreens are also providing the shot to those who are uninsured and hold special vouchers. Unfortunately, the closest place to get vouchers is at the Brooklyn Plaza Medical Center on 650 Fulton Street, near the Atlantic Avenue and Pacific Street subway stop. Without the voucher, the shot costs around $30.

Senior citizens are able to get free flu vaccinations at the Chelsea Health Clinic at 303 Ninth Avenue between 27th and 28th Streets. It’s the closest location to the East Village where the Bureau of Immunization is holding clinics. The walk-in clinic is open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Call them at 917-438-9780 an hour before you plan to arrive.

For more information about the flu vaccine, visit www.nyc.gov/flu and www.cdc.gov/flu/.