December 14, 2025 • 9 mins
In this special holiday-season edition of Late Night Health, host Mark Alyn sits down with Samantha Picking, Senior Director of Immunizations at Walgreens, to discuss what may be one of the most unpredictable respiratory virus seasons in recent years. With increased travel, family gatherings, and colder weather converging, the conversation focuses on how Americans can protect themselves against flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia during the busiest time of year.
Picking explains that respiratory illnesses historically ramp up in December, driven largely by holiday travel and social gatherings. To help consumers stay informed, she highlights the Walgreens Respiratory Index, a publicly available online tool that tracks real-time flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide. According to the index, California currently ranks in the middle of the pack for acute respiratory illness activity—an encouraging sign, but one that can change quickly given how unpredictable virus spread can be.
A major theme of the discussion centers on vaccine safety and accessibility. Picking emphasizes that vaccines are backed by extensive scientific data and remain one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. She encourages listeners not to delay, noting that it’s not too late to receive recommended vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. Importantly, she clarifies that it is safe to receive multiple vaccines in a single visit—often the easiest option for busy individuals and families.
Walgreens’ convenience plays a key role in removing barriers to care. Vaccinations are available through walk-ins or scheduled appointments online, via the app, or by phone, with the option to vaccinate up to four people in one visit. Many vaccines are covered at no cost with insurance or Medicare, and Walgreens pharmacists are available to provide personalized guidance based on individual health needs.
Beyond vaccinations, Picking shares practical prevention tips, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and preparing a travel health kit. She also offers advice for managing symptoms if illness occurs, including testing, over-the-counter remedies, immune-supporting vitamins, and same-day delivery options.
The conversation closes with a clear takeaway: staying vaccinated, informed, and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones this holiday season.
#walgreens
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/late-night-health-radio--2804369/support.
Picking explains that respiratory illnesses historically ramp up in December, driven largely by holiday travel and social gatherings. To help consumers stay informed, she highlights the Walgreens Respiratory Index, a publicly available online tool that tracks real-time flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide. According to the index, California currently ranks in the middle of the pack for acute respiratory illness activity—an encouraging sign, but one that can change quickly given how unpredictable virus spread can be.
A major theme of the discussion centers on vaccine safety and accessibility. Picking emphasizes that vaccines are backed by extensive scientific data and remain one of the safest and most effective ways to prevent serious illness, hospitalization, and death. She encourages listeners not to delay, noting that it’s not too late to receive recommended vaccinations, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and pneumonia. Importantly, she clarifies that it is safe to receive multiple vaccines in a single visit—often the easiest option for busy individuals and families.
Walgreens’ convenience plays a key role in removing barriers to care. Vaccinations are available through walk-ins or scheduled appointments online, via the app, or by phone, with the option to vaccinate up to four people in one visit. Many vaccines are covered at no cost with insurance or Medicare, and Walgreens pharmacists are available to provide personalized guidance based on individual health needs.
Beyond vaccinations, Picking shares practical prevention tips, such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and preparing a travel health kit. She also offers advice for managing symptoms if illness occurs, including testing, over-the-counter remedies, immune-supporting vitamins, and same-day delivery options.
The conversation closes with a clear takeaway: staying vaccinated, informed, and prepared is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones this holiday season.
#walgreens
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/late-night-health-radio--2804369/support.
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Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:05):
This is a special edition of Late Night Health. I'm
Mark Allen. You know, with the holidays and travel, we
have to be concerned about the flu. Covid is rearing
its ugly head. And for those of us who may
have a couple of gray hairs, there's the RSV virus.
(00:27):
We're gonna go to Massachusetts. We're gonna speak with Samantha Picking.
She is the senior director of Immunizations at Walgreens, just
a couple of miles from my house actually, and here
in southern California. Samantha, welcome. Do we have to be
careful this season? In particular, you.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Certainly want to be careful this season, and thank you
so much for having me now. Every year, common rectory
viruses like flu, pneumonia, they cost hundreds of thousands of
hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. In recent years, activity starts
to ramp up in December, and it's likely driven by
increased travel, holiday gatherings. We're all getting together having fun
(01:08):
this time of year, right, So I actually encourage everyone
to check out the Walgreens Respiratory Index. It's our publicly
available online tool that tracks flu and COVID nineteen activity
across the United States. We develop this tool to provide
the public with actuable and accessible data so they can
stay in forms and take necessary actions to stay protected
this virus season. Actually, according to the Walgreens Respiratory Index,
(01:31):
looking at it now, California currently ranks twenty third among
states for overall acute resptory illness activity, so certainly starting
to ramp up. It's that time of year. So whether
you're planning to travel or host guests this season, the
Resptory Index can give you that real time insight into
what's happening in your area or your destination.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
So we're actually being in California, are actually halfway almost
halfway down the list of fifty. So it's not bad.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Is it not bad?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
But it can definitely take a turn real quick because
it's an unpredictable time of year when it comes to
coffin flu season.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Are people afraid of immunizations of vaccines?
Speaker 2 (02:14):
You know, some people may be, but the thing to
remember is that immanizations and again I'm a pharmacist. We
have plenty of available scientific data. Vaccines are absolutely safe
and effective ways to protect yourself against highly contagious illnesses. Now,
the other thing is it can be such a busy
time of year, especially in the fall, whether people are
(02:36):
going back to school and now the holidays, but it's
really critical for people to take the time to get
their annual flu shot, but also other recommended vaccines, and
you mentioned these, whether it's COVID nineteen RSV, pneumonia. If
you haven't gotten your vaccination yet, it's not too late.
So getting recommended vaccines can actually reduce the severity of symptoms,
(02:58):
lower your risk of hospitalization, and so it's so important
to protect yourself and others. It's also really easy to do.
You said your walkings is right near your house. You
can walk into your Walgreens today. You can get your
vaccine right at that moment, but you could also plan
ahead and schedule your appointment on the walgreens dot com
or app or even call one eight hundred Walgreens. You
(03:18):
can book an appointment for up to four vaccines all
for one visit, and then as an added bonus if
you're doing some last minute holiday shopping, maybe getting the
wrapping paper ahead of the holidays, we're actually offering individuals
twenty percent off their next purchase of twenty dollars or
more if they're my Walgreens member.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Anytime they get a vaccination.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Wow, can you get You just said that you could
just walk in and get them all done. I was
told to space them out. I'm behind. I have the
the pneumonia and I have the flu. Personally, I need
(03:58):
to get the other two.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Yeah, And it's absolutely safe to get multiple vaccines at
the same time, And for many people, getting all recommended
vaccines in a single visit is the easiest way to
stay up to date versus having to space those out
and being unprotected for the time in between. For me particularly,
it's so hard and I'm so busy. I can make
one appointment. I get my flue and my COVID vaccine
(04:21):
at the same time. And the other nice thing is
you can actually schedule an appointment preroup to four individuals
for the same visit. That's what I did, so I
got my whole family one appointment. We got protected together
and really check that off the to do list for everyone.
And as always, Walgreens pharmacists are always available to counsel patients.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
On what's best for them.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
If they do want a space out vaccination, what does
that look like, and then base it on their personal
medical history and also the latest recommendations.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
And pharmacists throughout the country I believe is they go
to school, they learn how to give injections, they practice.
I think you practice sun oranges, we.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
Actually practice on each other.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
But yes, pharmacists are highly trained individuals and they are
your trusted expert when it comes to vaccinations. Again, as
you know, pharmaces give the majority of flu vaccinations across
the country and also covid vaccines, so they are absolutely
experts when it comes to this space.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
So you can talk to your Waldgren's pharmacists anytime.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
And the good thing is that if you have insurance
or Medicare, there's no cost.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
That's correct, So no cost for flu vaccinations, and it
may depend on where your insurance coverage is taken, but
no cost for flu. And then also those other vaccines
like covid, RSV and pneumilia are also tically covered at
no cost.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
So what are other ways of preventing some of these
diseases the flu in particular covid, I guess are SVP
RSVP are as. What happens is people don't tend to
wash their hands as much more. We were washing six
(06:02):
times a day during covid. Is that still an important
thing to do?
Speaker 3 (06:07):
It absolutely is.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
Now remember number one, getting vaccinated most important thing you
could do to protect yourself. But in addition to that,
everyday prepetitive actions to help reduce the spread of viruses.
So that's avoiding close contact with people who are sick,
covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze, washing your
hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. I
also recommend if you're traveling, have a travel bag prepared
(06:32):
with essentials like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues, and any
prescription medications you.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
May need and carry that on board.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
That's exactly it.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
Yeah, right, And what about when you know people are
going to get get sick, they're going to get the
flu and whatever, what can they do to feel better
and to recover quicker.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yeah, So, if you are experiencing a cold or flu
like symptoms, so running nose or cough, I recommend heading
to your local walgreens. You can test for covid and
flu before traveling or gathering with others to understand what
you may have. But also cold and flu season can
be so unpredictable. It's also helpful to have a few
essentials at home to manage those symptoms. So common items
(07:20):
to consider fever reducers, pain reducers, cough relief, humidifiers at home,
tests and disinfectants, and then also vitamins and minerals like
you vitamin see zinc selenium can also support immune function.
And many of these items is available for same day
delivery from your Walgreens, so it's super convenient.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I use it all the time.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
If you're sick at home, or you just don't want
to go into a crowded area, you can order these
right online and get them at your doorstep the same day.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
Now.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
I also encourage everyone, as we mentioned, talk to your Walgreens,
pharmacists or other healthcare provider to get additional advice on
managing your specific symptoms, but also understanding medications you can
take over the counter, or vitamins and minerals based on
health conditions you may have or other medications you're already taking.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
I like pharmacists that not only takes and but recommends
supplements because we need those. We've been talking about that
for years here on Late Night Help. Is there anything
else our listeners should know?
Speaker 2 (08:22):
I think the biggest thing is remember vaccination is the
number one thing you can do to protect yourself. We
know it can fall off the to do list. It's
a busy time of year, especially during the holiday season,
but take the time to get it done and if
you have any questions, our expert pharmacists are always available
to help you navigate the latest vaccine testing and treatment
guidance and what's recommended to you and your loved ones.
(08:44):
And then for more information on everything we discussed, including
vaccine guidance, testing or to check those virus trends, just
head to your neighborhood Walgreens or Walgreens dot com.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
And that's Walgreens dot com for more information. Samantha, thank
you very much. Our guest is Ben Samantha Picking. She's
the senior director of Immunizations at Walgreens. And happy holidays
to you and your family. Glad you're all vaxed, and
(09:15):
got to get over there and get my other two done.
I will.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Thanks for having me today, my pleasure.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
This is Late Night Health
This is a special edition of Late Night Health. I'm
Mark Allen. You know, with the holidays and travel, we
have to be concerned about the flu. Covid is rearing
its ugly head. And for those of us who may
have a couple of gray hairs, there's the RSV virus.
(00:27):
We're gonna go to Massachusetts. We're gonna speak with Samantha Picking.
She is the senior director of Immunizations at Walgreens, just
a couple of miles from my house actually, and here
in southern California. Samantha, welcome. Do we have to be
careful this season? In particular, you.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Certainly want to be careful this season, and thank you
so much for having me now. Every year, common rectory
viruses like flu, pneumonia, they cost hundreds of thousands of
hospitalizations and thousands of deaths. In recent years, activity starts
to ramp up in December, and it's likely driven by
increased travel, holiday gatherings. We're all getting together having fun
(01:08):
this time of year, right, So I actually encourage everyone
to check out the Walgreens Respiratory Index. It's our publicly
available online tool that tracks flu and COVID nineteen activity
across the United States. We develop this tool to provide
the public with actuable and accessible data so they can
stay in forms and take necessary actions to stay protected
this virus season. Actually, according to the Walgreens Respiratory Index,
(01:31):
looking at it now, California currently ranks twenty third among
states for overall acute resptory illness activity, so certainly starting
to ramp up. It's that time of year. So whether
you're planning to travel or host guests this season, the
Resptory Index can give you that real time insight into
what's happening in your area or your destination.
Speaker 1 (01:52):
So we're actually being in California, are actually halfway almost
halfway down the list of fifty. So it's not bad.
Speaker 3 (02:01):
Is it not bad?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
But it can definitely take a turn real quick because
it's an unpredictable time of year when it comes to
coffin flu season.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Are people afraid of immunizations of vaccines?
Speaker 2 (02:14):
You know, some people may be, but the thing to
remember is that immanizations and again I'm a pharmacist. We
have plenty of available scientific data. Vaccines are absolutely safe
and effective ways to protect yourself against highly contagious illnesses. Now,
the other thing is it can be such a busy
time of year, especially in the fall, whether people are
(02:36):
going back to school and now the holidays, but it's
really critical for people to take the time to get
their annual flu shot, but also other recommended vaccines, and
you mentioned these, whether it's COVID nineteen RSV, pneumonia. If
you haven't gotten your vaccination yet, it's not too late.
So getting recommended vaccines can actually reduce the severity of symptoms,
(02:58):
lower your risk of hospitalization, and so it's so important
to protect yourself and others. It's also really easy to do.
You said your walkings is right near your house. You
can walk into your Walgreens today. You can get your
vaccine right at that moment, but you could also plan
ahead and schedule your appointment on the walgreens dot com
or app or even call one eight hundred Walgreens. You
(03:18):
can book an appointment for up to four vaccines all
for one visit, and then as an added bonus if
you're doing some last minute holiday shopping, maybe getting the
wrapping paper ahead of the holidays, we're actually offering individuals
twenty percent off their next purchase of twenty dollars or
more if they're my Walgreens member.
Speaker 3 (03:36):
Anytime they get a vaccination.
Speaker 1 (03:38):
Wow, can you get You just said that you could
just walk in and get them all done. I was
told to space them out. I'm behind. I have the
the pneumonia and I have the flu. Personally, I need
(03:58):
to get the other two.
Speaker 2 (04:01):
Yeah, And it's absolutely safe to get multiple vaccines at
the same time, And for many people, getting all recommended
vaccines in a single visit is the easiest way to
stay up to date versus having to space those out
and being unprotected for the time in between. For me particularly,
it's so hard and I'm so busy. I can make
one appointment. I get my flue and my COVID vaccine
(04:21):
at the same time. And the other nice thing is
you can actually schedule an appointment preroup to four individuals
for the same visit. That's what I did, so I
got my whole family one appointment. We got protected together
and really check that off the to do list for everyone.
And as always, Walgreens pharmacists are always available to counsel patients.
Speaker 3 (04:40):
On what's best for them.
Speaker 2 (04:41):
If they do want a space out vaccination, what does
that look like, and then base it on their personal
medical history and also the latest recommendations.
Speaker 1 (04:49):
And pharmacists throughout the country I believe is they go
to school, they learn how to give injections, they practice.
I think you practice sun oranges, we.
Speaker 3 (04:59):
Actually practice on each other.
Speaker 2 (05:01):
But yes, pharmacists are highly trained individuals and they are
your trusted expert when it comes to vaccinations. Again, as
you know, pharmaces give the majority of flu vaccinations across
the country and also covid vaccines, so they are absolutely
experts when it comes to this space.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
So you can talk to your Waldgren's pharmacists anytime.
Speaker 1 (05:20):
And the good thing is that if you have insurance
or Medicare, there's no cost.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
That's correct, So no cost for flu vaccinations, and it
may depend on where your insurance coverage is taken, but
no cost for flu. And then also those other vaccines
like covid, RSV and pneumilia are also tically covered at
no cost.
Speaker 1 (05:40):
So what are other ways of preventing some of these
diseases the flu in particular covid, I guess are SVP
RSVP are as. What happens is people don't tend to
wash their hands as much more. We were washing six
(06:02):
times a day during covid. Is that still an important
thing to do?
Speaker 3 (06:07):
It absolutely is.
Speaker 2 (06:08):
Now remember number one, getting vaccinated most important thing you
could do to protect yourself. But in addition to that,
everyday prepetitive actions to help reduce the spread of viruses.
So that's avoiding close contact with people who are sick,
covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze, washing your
hands often, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. I
also recommend if you're traveling, have a travel bag prepared
(06:32):
with essentials like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, tissues, and any
prescription medications you.
Speaker 1 (06:37):
May need and carry that on board.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
That's exactly it.
Speaker 1 (06:42):
Yeah, right, And what about when you know people are
going to get get sick, they're going to get the
flu and whatever, what can they do to feel better
and to recover quicker.
Speaker 2 (06:59):
Yeah, So, if you are experiencing a cold or flu
like symptoms, so running nose or cough, I recommend heading
to your local walgreens. You can test for covid and
flu before traveling or gathering with others to understand what
you may have. But also cold and flu season can
be so unpredictable. It's also helpful to have a few
essentials at home to manage those symptoms. So common items
(07:20):
to consider fever reducers, pain reducers, cough relief, humidifiers at home,
tests and disinfectants, and then also vitamins and minerals like
you vitamin see zinc selenium can also support immune function.
And many of these items is available for same day
delivery from your Walgreens, so it's super convenient.
Speaker 3 (07:39):
I use it all the time.
Speaker 2 (07:41):
If you're sick at home, or you just don't want
to go into a crowded area, you can order these
right online and get them at your doorstep the same day.
Speaker 3 (07:48):
Now.
Speaker 2 (07:49):
I also encourage everyone, as we mentioned, talk to your Walgreens,
pharmacists or other healthcare provider to get additional advice on
managing your specific symptoms, but also understanding medications you can
take over the counter, or vitamins and minerals based on
health conditions you may have or other medications you're already taking.
Speaker 1 (08:07):
I like pharmacists that not only takes and but recommends
supplements because we need those. We've been talking about that
for years here on Late Night Help. Is there anything
else our listeners should know?
Speaker 2 (08:22):
I think the biggest thing is remember vaccination is the
number one thing you can do to protect yourself. We
know it can fall off the to do list. It's
a busy time of year, especially during the holiday season,
but take the time to get it done and if
you have any questions, our expert pharmacists are always available
to help you navigate the latest vaccine testing and treatment
guidance and what's recommended to you and your loved ones.
(08:44):
And then for more information on everything we discussed, including
vaccine guidance, testing or to check those virus trends, just
head to your neighborhood Walgreens or Walgreens dot com.
Speaker 1 (08:55):
And that's Walgreens dot com for more information. Samantha, thank
you very much. Our guest is Ben Samantha Picking. She's
the senior director of Immunizations at Walgreens. And happy holidays
to you and your family. Glad you're all vaxed, and
(09:15):
got to get over there and get my other two done.
I will.
Speaker 2 (09:19):
Thanks for having me today, my pleasure.
Speaker 1 (09:21):
This is Late Night Health
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