Some airports to offer flu shots

With the growing fear over the H1N1 influenza, the idea of offering flu shots at airports has taken off.

Several major airports, including Boston Logan, O’Hare International and John F. Kennedy International, have offered flu shots, either in the terminals or at nearby clinics. The price ranges from $20 to $35.

In years past, passengers at the Los Angeles International Airport could ride a courtesy van to the nearby Reliant Immediate Care Medical Group on Sepulveda Boulevard for $25 flu shots.

But this year, Max Lebow, medical director for the medical group, said he is meeting with airport officials to launch at least one flu shot kiosk in a terminal. He hopes to work out the details in the next week or so.

The shots for traditional influenza should be available at the end of the month, with shots for H1N1 expected in October, Lebow said. Details will be available at the first aid station at the Tom Bradley International Terminal, he said.

“A lot depends on the demand,” he said. “We expect to have a high demand this year.”

-- Hugo Martin

Photo: Flu vaccine shots are expected to be popular. Credit: Associated Press