Category: Flu Shots
Seasonal Flu Clinics Open; Maxim Health Systems Offers 35,000 Nationwide
Steve Pellito
National Director of Wellness
Maxim Health Systems
410-910-1164
steve.pellito@maximwellness.com
SEASONAL FLU CLINICS OPEN
MAXIM HEALTH SYSTEMS OFFERS 35,000 CLINICS NATIONWIDE
September 30, 2009 –Maxim Health Systems announced today that its more than 35,000 seasonal flu clinics nationwide will be open by tomorrow, October 1. Maxim’s program aims to increase the number of people who get vaccinated, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that it is the single most effective way to prevent the virus. A new Web site sponsored by Maxim, info.findaflushot.com, helps users quickly find convenient flu clinics based on zip codes, as well as educate themselves about the virus.
“While we wait for safety and efficacy studies on the new H1N1 vaccine, we should all be getting our flu vaccines as early as possible this fall. Please don’t wait – get vaccinated when clinics open,” says Bonnie Offit, MD, FAAP, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Maxim will provide flu shot clinics this year at convenient retail locations, such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and other public venues. Finding the nearest location is as simple as typing in your zip code on info.findaflushot.com. This will provide the address, date, and times for flu shots at local clinics. The Web site also provides the latest news on influenza and links to other resources. For those who prefer to find a convenient location over the phone, Maxim provides a toll free number at 877-962-9358. A resource dedicated to questions about H1N1 (“Swine Flu”) is also available this year at h1n1.findaflushot.com, which is updated with information as it is made available.
Each year in the United States, an average of 5 percent to 20 percent of the population gets influenza, 200,000 people are hospitalized from complications, and about 36,000 people die from the illness. The CDC strongly encourages high-risk individuals to get vaccinated. This includes:
- Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting the flu
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
- People at high risk of having serious complications from influenza, including:
- All children from six months through 18 years of age
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
“Flu season is here, and the CDC is recommending that more Americans than ever get vaccinated,” said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems. “Everyone who is at risk for complications from the flu and those who would like to reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus can visit our Web site at info.findaflushot.com to find a local seasonal flu shot clinic,” Pellito recommends.
Maxim provides flu shots to children aged 9 and older unless restricted by a state regulation or law. By calling the clinic site ahead of time (information also provided on the Maxim Web site), parents can verify that their children can receive the vaccine. For children under 9 years of age, parents should contact their pediatrician. Maxim accepts Medicare Part B with no co-pay required, when Medicare Part B is the primary insurance.
About Maxim Health Systems
Maxim Health Systems is a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Established in 1996, Maxim Health Systems offers a full line of comprehensive wellness services to corporate and retail clients, in addition to schools, senior living facilities, and Physician offices. We provide a variety of services, including immunizations, health screenings, and health fairs. In 2008, our flu immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 2.5 million people at more than 44,000 clinics. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information contact us at http://info.findaflushot.com/contact-us.
The Flu Shot: Seniors’ Best Bet for Avoiding Influenza
Everyone knows how miserable the flu can be: fever, body aches, dry cough, headaches, and a sore throat that can last anywhere from a few days to weeks. Each year, between five and twenty percent of the population is infected with the flu and over 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications. For some people, flu is a mild illness. However, few people realize that in many cases, the flu can be deadly, especially for seniors. In the U.S. each year, the flu and its complications cause more deaths than breast cancer,[1] and two to three times as many deaths as HIV/AIDS.[2] Ninety percent of flu-related deaths occur in those 65 years of age and older.
The good news is that getting a flu shot is the single most effective way to prevent the flu. On average, the flu vaccine reduces the risk of death by fifty percent within the senior population. Medicare will pay for the shot (when Medicare Part B is the primary medical insurance), and so will many private health insurance plans. Flu shots are offered at a variety of locations, including senior facilities, public health facilities, churches, doctors’ offices, and retail locations, such as pharmacies and grocery stores. Maxim Health Systems provides flu clinics nationwide at locations such as these, which can be searched for on info.findaflushot.com. Visitors to the site can locate the flu clinic locations nearest to them by simply typing in their zip code. The Web site also provides flu news, FAQs, and other important resources.
Contrary to a popular myth, you cannot get the flu from the vaccine since it is made from inactive influenza viruses. Keep in mind that even if you received a flu shot last year, you still need to receive another one this year to remain protected. Each year the flu strain changes and a new vaccine is developed to provide the best possible protection.
Good health habits like covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze and washing your hands often can also help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu. Remember to wash your hands frequently when you are around someone who is sick and make a point of washing them before eating and touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you can, avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are not feeling well, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. This will help stop the flu from spreading.
Still have questions about the flu and the flu vaccine? Go to info.findaflushot.com to learn more and to find a flu clinic in your area.
[1] The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Breast Cancer Statistics,” http://www.cdc.gov/cancer/breast/statistics/
[2] HIV/AIDS Surveillance Report: HIV Infection and AIDS in the United States and Dependent Areas, 2005, http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/topics/surveillance/
The Truth about the Flu – Frequently Asked Questions
With all of the different information about influenza circulating in the media and online, it can be hard to separate the facts from myths. Below are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about seasonal flu, all of which have been verified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Q: Will I get the flu from the flu shot?
A: No. Flu vaccine is created from dead or inactive viruses that are not contagious.
Q: When should I get a flu shot?
A: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends vaccinating as early as vaccine is available. Influenza usually occurs from November until April, with activity peaking between late December and early March.
Q: Why get a flu shot?
A: Influenza usually leaves its victims unable to function for several days and is responsible for an average of 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths each year. Getting an annual flu shot is your best protection.
Q: How effective is the flu shot?
A: The flu vaccine has been determined to be effective in preventing influenza in about 70 percent to 90 percent of healthy people under the age of 65 and is your best method of protection. Among elderly persons not living in chronic-care facilities and people with long-term medical conditions, the flu shot is 30 percent to 70 percent effective in preventing hospitalization for pneumonia and influenza. Among elderly nursing home residents, the flu shot is most effective in preventing severe illness, secondary complications, and deaths related to the flu.
Q: Do I need a flu shot every year?
A: Yes. Influenza viruses change every year. A new vaccine is used annually to fight the most current influenza virus.
Q: Who should get a flu shot?
A: The CDC recommends that you receive a flu shot if you meet one or more of the following criteria:
- Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting the flu
- People at high risk of having serious complications from influenza, including:
• Children aged 6 months to 18 years old
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
- People at high risk of having serious complications from influenza, including:
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
Q: Can I still get the flu after I get the flu shot?
A: Yes. Like other vaccines, flu vaccine is not 100 percent effective and does not take effect until approximately two weeks after it is received.
Q: Am I classified as high-risk?
A: You are classified as high-risk if you fall under one of the following categories:
- 65 years of age or older
- A household contact of persons at increased risk of influenza-related complications
- Have a chronic medical condition such as: asthma or another lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or blood disease
- Have immune system problems caused either by disease (e.g., HIV or lymphoma)
or by medication (e.g., chemotherapy or radiation therapy) - Women who are or will become pregnant during the influenza season
- A child or teenager, 6 months to 18 years of age, who is receiving long-term aspirin therapy (if under 18 years of age, see management at the clinic location for minimum age requirements)
- Healthcare workers
Q: What are the side effects of getting a flu shot?
A: For most people, vaccination causes no side effects. Less than 1/3 of those who receive a flu shot will experience some soreness at the vaccination site, and only 5 percent to 10 percent will suffer mild side effects such as low-grade fevers and headaches.
For more information about the flu, visit info.findaflushot.com or www.cdc.gov/flu.
Staying Healthy This Flu Season – Flu Prevention
Amid all of the different opinions and news regarding influenza, one fact is clear: the single best thing you can do to prevent seasonal flu is to get your yearly flu shot. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the nation’s authority on health issues, has confirmed that the flu vaccine is the most effective prevention tool against influenza.
In addition to getting your flu shot, you can also take the below steps to avoid the spread of germs. Encourage your friends, family, and co-workers to follow these simple everyday actions as well.
- Avoid Close Contact
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, avoid close contact with others to protect them from getting sick too
- Stay Home When You are Sick
- If possible, stay home from work, school, day care, and errands when you are sick. You will help to prevent others from catching your illness
- Cover Your Mouth and Nose
- …with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and drop it in the trash.
- If you don’t have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose as best as you can
- Wash Your Hands Often
- Washing your hands often, especially after you cough or sneeze, will help stop germs from spreading
- Avoid Touching Your Eyes, Nose, and Mouth
- Sickness is often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.
Other ways to stay healthy during this flu season and all year round:
- Get plenty of sleep
- Exercise regularly
- Drink plenty of fluids
- Eat nutritious foods
- Manage your stress level
Lastly, remind your loved ones to get a flu shot this year. By visiting info.findaflushot.com and typing in your zip code, it’s easy to quickly locate flu clinics in your area. Spread the word (not the germs) this flu season!
Reference: 1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Preventing the flu: good health habits for prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed July 1, 2008.