“Maxim Health Systems applauds the efforts of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in continuing the tradition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, an initiative supporting influenza vaccination and increased disease awareness. Maxim supports the CDC’s efforts by actively educating the general public on the importance getting vaccinated, and by providing insight on flu-related topics through its informational Web site, info.findaflushot.com.

Many Americans are unaware of the fact that flu season hits hardest during February and continues throughout the winter and into early spring. It is imperative for individuals who have not yet been vaccinated against the flu to get immunized, defending themselves from an array of flu-related medical complications including fever, cough, muscle or body aches, and even death. The CDC reports that influenza is responsible for tens of thousands of deaths every year in the U.S. Protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza this year. The flu is not an illness to be taken lightly. Maxim encourages all individuals throughout the nation to participate in NIVW and help increase nationwide awareness of the influenza vaccination.”

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 immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs.  Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone.  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. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.

What: Maxim Health Systems proudly supports the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) annual National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), which was created in response to poor vaccination rates that follow Thanksgiving, despite the fact that cases of influenza peak in February or later. Maxim continues to demonstrate its support of NIVW by actively educating the general public on the importance getting vaccinated, and by providing insight on flu-related topics through its informational Web site, info.findaflushot.com.

Who:

Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness, Maxim Health Systems. Mr. Pellito can provide perspective on the cost of flu to business; flu facts vs. myths; and tech-focused approaches for making vaccination easier for the whole family.

W. John Langley, M.D, Chief Medical Officer and Chief Quality Officer, Maxim Healthcare Services. Dr. Langley is a board-certified pediatrician with more than 35 years of experience practicing medicine. He can help to explain the effectiveness of the flu shot; protecting your family against the flu; CDC universal recommendations; and warning signs in children and adults.

Maxim Health Systems operates more than 28,000 influenza clinics across the country, making them one of the nation’s largest flu clinic providers. In addition to running on-site influenza clinics in many large retail pharmacy and grocery chains, corporate employers and places of worship, Maxim is also a leader in using social media during the flu season. Their site, www.findaflushot.com, has the latest information on flu and helpful prevention tips.

When: Sunday, December 5 – Saturday, December 11, 2010. Dr. Langley and Mr.Pellito are available to speak with reporters throughout the week. To schedule an interview, or for more information, please contact Monica Huang at 202.659.7936 or by e-mail at mhuang@apcoworldwide.com.

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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 immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs.  Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone.  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. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.

Below are just a few examples of how the flu is making headlines across the nation…

1) “Flu death adds to Oklahoma’s health concerns” NewsOK (OK) (October 26, 2010) – “Flu has killed the first Oklahoman this season, while strep throat, colds and salmonella have joined the threat to the state. An Oklahoma resident died of influenza between Oct. 3 and Oct. 10, according to the state Health Department’s website.  Since Sept. 1, nine residents have been hospitalized with the flu.”

http://newsok.com/flu-death-adds-to-oklahomas-health-concerns/article/3508032

2) “Consumer Reports: Adults can benefit from flu, shingles, pneumonia vaccines” Washington Post (DC) (October 25, 2010) – “More important, research conducted during and after last fall’s flu season suggests that the vaccine is quite safe and effective. And this year the advice is simpler because a single vaccine should protect against both the H1N1 and regular seasonal flu strains; this means that people need only one shot or nasal dose. While the vaccine became available weeks ago, it’s still not too late to get a dose: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February… Despite all the confusion last year, the percentage of people getting the flu vaccine actually increased. And the simplified vaccine regimen should make it easier for people to get vaccinated this coming flu season. Instead of one vaccine targeted mainly to younger and middle-aged people (who are at most risk from the H1N1 virus) and another mainly to older people (who are most vulnerable to other flu strains), this year there will be just one vaccine for almost everyone older than 6 months. Still, the public has very mixed views about the vaccine.”

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102503343.html

3) “Fewer people getting flu shots this year” KABC (CA) (October 28, 2010) – “The number of people getting flu vaccinations this year is way down, especially from last year. Infectious disease experts say this could be a recipe for trouble. It’s stressful being the primary caregiver for your elderly mom, that’s why 60-year-old Gwen MacDonald says getting sick is out of the question. ‘I can’t afford to be sick and possibly infect my mother,’ said MacDonald. But from the looks of a local flu clinic at Kaiser Permanente Panorama City, not too many people are thinking like MacDonald. ‘We are seeing a major drop off in enthusiasm among our patients,’ said Dr. Stanley Shapiro. Kaiser doctors say the number of people getting flu shots is way down from last year. Infectious disease experts say it appears people are suffering from what can be called ‘flu fatigue.’”

http://abclocal.go.com/kabc/story?section=news/health/your_health&id=7752331

4) “People arm themselves from the flu” WWLP (MA) (October 24, 2010) – “One by one, people wanting to protect themselves from the seasonal flu piled into the Holy Name Social Center in Springfield Sunday. Katie Tivnan admits she only started arming herself against the virus when she learned she was expecting. ‘I decided to get it again this year because now instead of being pregnant I have a 10 month and certainly I don’t want to get him sick,’ said Tivnan, Springfield.

Right now, there’s no sign of a replay of the H1N1 pandemic that played out a couple years ago, but the Deputy Director of Springfield’s Health and Human Services, Bettye Frederic, says there are signs flu season has arrived.”

http://www.wwlp.com/dpp/news/People-arm–themselves-from-the-flu

5) “First Flu Cases Confirmed” WLNS (MI) (October 22, 2010) – “The first two flu cases of the season in Michigan have been confirmed. The Michigan Department of Community Health says an adult male and an adult female both had influenza. The two cases were in Oakland County. According to the MDCH one of the viruses was confirmed as a 2009 influenza A/H1N1 subtype. But at this time they say it is too early to determine which influenza viruses will circulate and how severe the season may be.”

http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=13371552

COLUMBIA, MD – October 14, 2010 – Maxim Health Systems, a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc., has created several online tools to educate the public on flu season.  These resources, including the Flu Blog, the Online Flu Shot Locator Widget, Flu Shot E-mail and Text Message Reminders, and Flu Shot Reminder E-Cards, were developed to help remind and empower the public to make healthy and informed choices during the 2010 flu season.

“Vaccination is an important part of staying healthy during flu season,” said Steve Pellito, Director of Wellness at Maxim Health Systems.  “When it comes to their health, patients deserve accurate and easily accessible information. It is our goal to help the public to better navigate this year’s flu season with the tools we have developed.”

The Pew Internet & American Life Project reported that eight in ten internet users have searched online for health information. In addition, many patients have stated that the internet has had a significant impact on the way they care for themselves or for others.

Responding to this need, Maxim Health Systems launched new tools to empower the public, in conjunction with healthcare professionals, to more effectively manage their health during flu season.

The Full List of Online Social Tools from Maxim Health Systems:

Text Message Reminders
Once users have searched for and found a clinic in their area, they can schedule a text message reminder by clicking “Remind Me Via Text” and entering their phone number and mobile carrier. A text message alert will be sent the morning of the clinic containing the location, address, and time of the clinic that was requested. Text messaging and data rates may apply.

Flu Shot E-mail Reminders
This resource allows users to search for a clinic and then request a reminder by e-mail. After searching for clinics in their area, users can schedule an e-mail reminder by clicking “Remind Me Via E-mail” and entering their name and e-mail address. An e-mail with all clinic information will be sent the day before the clinic.

Online Flu Shot Locator Widget
Maxim Health Systems has created a widget that allows all Web site and blog owners to install an online flu shot locator on their own sites.  The widget code is located on Maxim’s microsite (info.findaflushot.com).  If you download the widget to your site, you can share flu clinic information and flu news with your own Web site visitors.

Flu Shot Reminder E-Cards
Reminding friends and loved ones to get vaccinated this season is easy, with virtual cards from Maxim Health Systems.  To get started just choose an image, fill out the form, and send!

Flu Blog
Hosted by the Maxim Health Systems’ Flu Resource Center, the Flu Blog provides regular updates on flu-related topics including the benefits of flu vaccination and tips for minimizing flu exposure for seniors, families, and students returning to school. Also, subscribe to the blog via RSS.

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 immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs.  Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone.  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. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.

Maxim Health Systems Offers More Than 25,000 Flu Shot Clinics Nationwide

October 1, 2010 –Maxim Health Systems (MHS) announced today that its more than 25,000 flu shot clinics nationwide are open. Maxim’s flu vaccine program provides flu shot clinics at convenient retail locations, such as pharmacies, supermarkets, and other public venues.

“Flu season is here and the CDC has issued a universal recommendation that everyone over six months of age get vaccinated,” said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems. “Influenza is a serious and sometimes deadly illness that can be easily prevented, and we encourage everyone to protect themselves and their families this year by getting their flu shot.”

Maxim Health System’s Web site, www.findaflushot.com, offers an online clinic locator tool to help users quickly locate nearby flu shot clinics based on their local zip code. The site will provide the address, driving directions, dates, and times for flu shots at local clinics.  The clinic locator is also available on mobile devices at m.findaflushot.com. Through both the Web site and mobile devices, consumers can receive flu updates, schedule a flu shot reminder, and read a blog to follow flu news and trends as they happen. Consumers can also find a convenient clinic location over the phone at 877-962-9358.

“Too often we see individuals skip their flu shot altogether due to the fear of contracting the flu from the vaccine or the common misconception that the flu is no worse than a common cold,” said Dr. W. John Langley, Chief Medical Officer at Maxim Healthcare Services. “You cannot contract influenza from the flu shot. Getting vaccinated is quick and painless, and it is also the safest and most effective way to prevent the flu and to keep you and your loved ones from getting sick.”

Any participant with Medicare Part B coverage as their primary medical insurance will receive their shot with no co-pay.  Some insurances are also accepted, in addition to cash or check. Maxim provides flu vaccines to children ages four and older, unless restricted by state regulation or law.

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 immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs.  Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone.  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. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.

Maxim Health Systems to Provide More Than 30,000 Flu Shot Clinics Nationwide

September 1, 2010 –Maxim Health Systems (MHS) today announced it will launch its annual influenza vaccination program on October 1 and will offer flu shots nationwide through more than 30,000 clinics.

“Influenza immunizations are the best way to prevent illness and subsequent medical problems caused by influenza in people of all ages,” said Dr. W. John Langley, M.D., FAAP, Chief Medical Officer for Maxim Healthcare Services. “We believe that everyone who can, should get a flu shot, and we especially encourage those in high-risk categories to be immunized along with their family members.”

Each year as many as 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia. This results in approximately 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths annually – more than the number of Americans who die from breast cancer and two to three times more than the amount of annual deaths from HIV/AIDS.[1]

This year, for the first time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is recommending everyone over six months of age receive a seasonal flu shot. The flu shot provides protection that lasts through the flu season and is updated annually to include current viruses. This year’s vaccine combines seasonal flu and H1N1, which means everyone over the age of nine-years, will only require one dose of seasonal influenza vaccine.  However, children aged six months through eight years of age will need two doses of the vaccine if:

• They are getting the vaccine for the first time, or
• They have not received two doses of the seasonal flu vaccine in a previous year, or
• They did not receive at least one dose of the 2009 H1N1 vaccine last year.

Even those who received H1N1 vaccine in 2009 need a 2010 seasonal influenza vaccine to ensure protection against other influenza strains expected to circulate this fall and winter.

“Influenza is a very serious illness that claims an estimated 36,000 lives each year,” said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems. “It is not too early to think about flu prevention, and Maxim’s info.findaflushot.com web site will provide consumers with a wealth of resources including a flu shot locator.”

Maxim Health System’s Web site, www.findaflushot.com, offers an online clinic locator tool to help users quickly locate nearby flu shot clinics based on their local zip code. The site will provide the address, driving directions, dates, and times for flu shots at local clinics.  The clinic locator is also available on mobile devices at m.findaflushot.com. Through both the Web site and mobile devices, consumers can receive flu updates, schedule a flu shot reminder, and read a blog to follow flu news and trends as they happen. Consumers can also find a convenient clinic location over the phone at 877-962-9358.

Any participant with Medicare Part B coverage as their primary medical insurance will receive their shot with no co-pay.  Some insurances are also accepted, in addition to cash or check. Maxim provides flu vaccines to children ages four and older, unless restricted by state regulation or law.

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 immunization programs, health screenings and health fairs.  Our flu vaccine program has administered more than 12 million immunizations in the last four years alone.  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. Follow Maxim Healthcare Services on Twitter at @findaflushot.

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.