Flu Resource Center » Press Releases

San Francisco City Agencies and Businesses Promote “H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine & Education Week”

emarketing — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:34:09 +0000

City and County of San Francisco
Gavin Newsom
Mayor

For Immediate Release

January 21, 2010

Beat the Next Flu Wave

City Agencies and Businesses Promote “H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine & Education Week”

San Francisco, CA— One of the greatest medical advances in modern history is coming to a store, an office, a clinic or even a corporate lunch room near you. It’s the vaccine—a miraculous set of serums that has wiped out polio, made smallpox extinct and prevented the loss of billions of hours in sick leave, to name just a few of its accomplishments. And now the H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine has arrived in San Francisco in time and in sufficient quantity to protect you and your family from getting sick during this winter’s rainy season when people spend more time indoors and are more likely to pick up the flu virus. Getting an H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine now will also protect individuals from what public health officials are calling the next flu wave.

If you are a San Francisco resident or worker, Mayor Newsom and a number of other agencies and businesses who care about the public’s health want everyone to get a dose of the vaccine during what the Mayor has declared as “H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine & Education Week, January 25-29.”

“We promised this City that everyone who wanted a vaccine would be able to get one,” noted Mayor Gavin Newsom. “Now we are making good on that promise. I urge everyone to use this opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones by getting an H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine.”

Although the number of new cases has ebbed for now, H1N1 swine flu is still very much with us. Since San Francisco’s first case was identified in April 2009, the H1N1 Swine Flu has affected thousands of City residents, hospitalized over 100 and caused the death of eight individuals. During H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine & Education Week, the public will have its greatest opportunity to date to get a dose of the vaccine that has finally become available to everyone, and not just those at high risk. Vaccinations range from free to low cost, depending on location, and will be offered as injections as well as the more popular FluMist nasal form.

All over the City, agencies and clinics are ramping up their outreach and promotional efforts, posting flyers, extending hours and offering special pricing. To make it easy to get an H1N1 Swine Flu Vaccine, corporate partners such as Walgreens, Safeway, Kaiser Permanente and Maxim Health Systems are promoting their drop-in vaccine services and educating the public in multiple languages about the importance of getting vaccinated. Community disaster response organizations such as SF CARD, are blasting out information to their constituents. The Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic at 101 Grove St. welcomes drop-in’s from the public and will also be offering a special opportunity to City employees with current ID. Meanwhile, Department of Public Health Clinics are holding special afternoon clinic hours for any member of the public to drop in.

For businesses who want to get their staff immunized, the Adult Immunization & Travel Clinic is making nurses and vaccine available directly at the worksite. Any business wanting to make arrangements for a visiting nurse to vaccinate their workers should contact the AITC at 415-554-2532, or go to the business website at http://sfcdcp.org/aitcbusinesses.html.

Mitch Katz, MD, Director of Health, reinforced the safety and reliability of the vaccine. “This vaccine is manufactured in the very same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. It has proven itself to be safe and effective all over the world. Getting the vaccine now will protect everyone from what could be the next flu wave. We’re making it easy to beat the wave.”

To find out where to get a free or low-cost H1N1 Swine Flu vaccine in your San Francisco neighborhood, call 3-1-1 or go to www.sfcdcp.org/flu.

Americans encouraged to get H1N1 vaccine during National Influenza Vaccination Week

emarketing — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:27:02 +0000

Corporate Headquarters
7227 Lee Deforest Drive
Columbia, MD 21046

Steve Pellito
National Director of Wellness
Maxim Health Systems
410-910-1164
steve.pellito@maximwellness.com

AMERICANS ENCOURAGED TO GET H1N1 VACCINE DURING NATIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINATION WEEK

January 6, 2010 – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated the week of January 10 through 16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week, in an effort to raise awareness about the importance of the flu vaccine. With flu experts warning that the U.S. should prepare for a possible third wave of H1N1 flu, it is crucial that Americans take the opportunity to protect themselves and their loved ones from this dangerous illness and receive the H1N1 vaccine while supply is available.

Individuals who would like to find an H1N1 vaccination clinic in their area or learn more about the virus can visit h1n1.findaflushot.com, an online resource sponsored by Maxim Health Systems. Visitors to the site can find convenient clinic locations by simply typing in a local zip code.

“Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu,” notes Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems. “By taking the simple step of getting your H1N1 vaccine, you are helping keep yourself, your family, and your community healthy.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) strongly recommends that anyone who falls into a high risk category for complications from H1N1 should get vaccinated. This includes:

People six months through 24 years of age
Pregnant women
People who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months
Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
People 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications

According to the CDC, those individuals who have been patiently waiting to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, including people 65 and older, are encouraged to get vaccinated depending on local supply.

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 influenza immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 2.5 million people at more than 44,000 flu clinics. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information, contact us at www.findaflushot.com/contact.php and visit www.findaflushot.com to locate a flu clinic in your area.

FDA Approves Agriflu Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

emarketing — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:29:47 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today approved Agriflu for people ages 18 years and older to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B. Agriflu, manufactured by Novartis Vaccines and Diagnostics in Siena, Italy, was approved using the FDA’s accelerated approval pathway, which helps safe and effective medical products for serious or life-threatening diseases become available sooner. In this case, Novartis demonstrated that the vaccine induced levels of antibodies in the blood likely to be effective in preventing seasonal influenza. [Read More]

FDA Approves Additional Vaccine for 2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus

emarketing — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 20:22:07 +0000

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that it has approved a fifth vaccine for protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The vaccine is manufactured by ID Biomedical Corp. of Quebec, Canada, owned by GlaxoSmithKline PLC. [Read More]

Due to the lack of vaccine availability, retail clinics hosted by Maxim Health Systems have been cancelled

emarketing — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 13:45:02 +0000

Corporate Headquarters
7227 Lee Deforest Drive
Columbia, MD 21046

Steve Pellito
National Director of Wellness
Maxim Health Systems
410.910.1164
steve.pellito@maximwellness.com

DUE TO THE LACK OF VACCINE AVAILABILITY
RETAIL CLINICS HOSTED BY MAXIM HEALTH SYSTEMS HAVE BEEN CANCELLED

OCTOBER 23, 2009– Maxim Health Systems has cancelled all flu shot clinics at retail locations after October 22, due to lack of vaccine availability. Across the country, there has been a drastic increase in both demand and media attention regarding influenza and vaccine availability. While the nation is experiencing an increase in demand for flu vaccine, manufacturers are unable to produce more seasonal flu vaccine because all resources have been shifted to H1N1 production. These variables have caused unprecedented challenges for this year’s flu season. Therefore, all Maxim retail clinic locations have been cancelled.

“We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused our customers and clients.” said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems. “This season has proven to be one of the most unique and unpredictable seasons of all time.”

Maxim’s Web site, www.findaflushot.com, has been updated to reflect these cancellations. Maxim urges consumers to direct seasonal flu, H1N1 (Swine Flu), and vaccine questions to their primary care physician, and to contact local and state health authorities for information on vaccines for high-risk individuals.

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 www.findaflushot.com.

Seasonal Flu Clinics Open; Maxim Health Systems Offers 35,000 Nationwide

emarketing — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 18:34:21 +0000

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.

Flu Vaccinations Begin on October 1; Maxim Health Systems to Provide 44,000 Flu Shot Clinics Nationwide

emarketing — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 12:28:51 +0000

Steve Pellito
National Director of Wellness
Maxim Health Systems
410-910-1164
steve.pellito@maximwellness.com

FLU VACCINATIONS BEGIN ON OCTOBER 1
MAXIM HEALTH SYSTEMS TO PROVIDE 44,000 FLU SHOT CLINICS NATIONWIDESeptember 8, 2009 – It is the start of the flu season and with seasonal influenza responsible for more than 36,000 deaths per year, getting a flu vaccine is critical. Today, Maxim Health Systems announced on October 1 it will launch its annual influenza vaccination program and will provide flu shots nationwide through more than 44,000 clinics. The company’s Web site, www.findaflushot.com, offers an online clinic locator tool to help users find convenient flu clinics by simply typing in a local zip code.

“This fall, all of us are experiencing concerns over the threat of the new H1N1 (“Swine Flu”). However, we need to prepare ourselves for the seasonal flu, which every year proves to be a very serious threat. The best way that we can protect ourselves and our children is to get an annual influenza vaccine. 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.

Many Americans are not aware of the true dangers of the flu. On average, every year, influenza:

Kills almost as many Americans as breast cancer.[1]
Kills two to three times more Americans than HIV/AIDS. [2]
Kills the equivalent of a major-league stadium full of people. [3]
Affects 65 million Americans as they fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths per year.[4]

“Everyone should consider flu prevention,” notes Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems. “Maxim has created an online clinic locator with a feature to remind friends and family to get their flu shots. By typing in a name and e-mail address on www.findaflushot.com, anyone can sign up to receive a flu shot reminder, e-mail alerts on local clinics, and flu updates.

The Web site also provides the latest news on seasonal flu and H1N1 (“Swine Flu”), as well as links to other resources to learn more about the flu and its prevention. Those who prefer to find a flu clinic location over the phone can call Maxim’s toll free number at 877-962-9358. A mobile phone locator is also available, m.findaflushot.com, for faster access to local flu clinics from mobile devices.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent flu and strongly encourage 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

Maxim provides flu shots to children aged 9 years and older, unless restricted by a state regulation or law. By calling the clinic site ahead of time (information also provided on www.findaflushot.com), parents can verify that their children are eligible to receive the vaccine. For children under nine 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 influenza immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 2.5 million people at more than 44,000 flu clinics. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information, contact us at www.findaflushot.com/contact.php and visit www.findaflushot.com to locate 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/

[3] Poland, GA. 2007. New Approaches to Influenza Vaccine Production. 2007; 4-6.

[4] Thompson et. al. JAMA. 2003; 289: 179-186

Thompson et. al. JAMA. 2004; 292: 1333-1340

Flu Expert Helps Clear the Confusion About H1N1 vs. Seasonal Flu Vaccination

emarketing — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 12:47:12 +0000

The following is a news release from Maxim Health Systems:

Corporate Headquarters
7227 Lee Deforest Drive
Columbia, MD 21046

Contact: Steve Pellito
National Director of Wellness
Maxim Health Systems
410-910-1164
steve.pellito@maximwellness.com

FLU EXPERT HELPS CLEAR THE CONFUSION ABOUT
H1N1 VS. SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION:

What: As the flu season approaches and the public becomes increasingly concerned about the threat of the seasonal flu and the importance of getting a flu shot, many parents across the nation are generally confused about what precautions to take as they send their children back to school. Everyone is faced with confusing and conflicting messages regarding seasonal influenza and H1N1 (Swine Flu).

People are frequently asking:

Does the seasonal flu vaccine provide protection against the H1N1 virus?
What can I do to protect my family from getting infected with H1N1 and the seasonal flu?
When will the H1N1 vaccination be available?

Maxim Health Systems, which will provide seasonal flu shots via more than 44,000 clinics nationwide, is preparing for a very busy flu season. Maxim is closely monitoring the development of the H1N1 vaccine along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is emphasizing that protection for seasonal flu is critical as more than 36,000 people die each year from the virus. Maxim is available to clarify the confusion and answer questions about the seasonal flu vaccine and how it differs from the vaccine for the H1N1 virus.

Maxim’s dedicated flu Web site, www.findaflushot.com, provides detailed information about the flu vaccination and allows consumers to locate seasonal flu clinics in their area by searching by zip code. In addition, Maxim is preparing to launch several new online resources for consumers to protect themselves and their families this flu season. These sites will explore differences between H1N1 and seasonal flu, contain information about who should receive vaccinations, and answer other common questions regarding these viruses.

Who: Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems, is available to answer questions related to these viruses.

Is it possible to receive the seasonal flu shot too early?
Will the flu vaccination wear off before the peak of influenza season?
Who will be eligible to receive the seasonal flu vaccination?
What are the symptoms for seasonal flu vs. H1N1 (Swine Flu)?

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 influenza immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 2.5 million people at more than 44,000 flu clinics. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information, contact us at www.findaflushot.com/contact.php and visit www.findaflushot.com to locate a flu clinic in your area.