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Posts Tagged as Flu Vaccines
Posted December 3, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips
Just two days left! No, not for pre-holiday sales… for National Influenza Vaccination Week. This Sunday, December 5th kicks off a national observance to let people know that it’s not too late to get a flu shot this season. In light of next week, here is a look at how the flu is affecting people across the country.
1) “News Briefs: Week of Nov. 29- Dec. 3” AAFP News Now (December 1, 2010) – “National Influenza Vaccination Week” is scheduled for Dec. 5-11, and the CDC is providing downloadable materials — including posters, flyers and brochures — that physicians can distribute to their patients. National Influenza Vaccination Week aims to highlight the importance of flu vaccinations — especially for those in high-risk groups, such as the elderly and people with chronic health conditions — and to foster increased use of the vaccine after the holidays. The CDC’s Web page dedicated to the event includes a schedule of regional, state and national events. The CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, or ACIP, expanded its recommendations for annual influenza vaccination this year to include all people ages 6 months and older in whom the vaccine is not contraindicated. The AAFP has adopted the ACIP’s flu vaccine recommendations as policy.” Read more…
2) “Credit Cards and the Flu Season” KIMT (IA) (November 29, 2010) – “It isn’t too uncommon to pay with plastic, but that credit card can lead to troubles later on. We’re not talking about your credit score. We’re talking about how handling cards and cash can lead to the flu. There are ways to protect yourself. Health care workers say the most common way to get the flu virus is by being too close to someone who is coughing or sneezing. But, you can catch it from touching a surface or card with the virus on it.” Read more…
3) “The Flu Vaccine—A Shot in the Arm for an Ailing Economy” New American Media (December 1, 2010) – “Flu shots not only protect lives but also generate significant economic benefits, saving the U.S. federal government billions of dollars in medical costs, according to health officials here. By improving the vaccination rate among high-risk individuals, including children and adults, government spending on costly yet entirely preventable diseases can be reduced by more than half each year, which would help the country’s economic recovery. ‘If we get vaccinated, we protect ourselves from any flu-related complications. That means we don’t end up in a hospital — and we don’t hurt our medical system,’ Teresa Niño, director for Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, said at a recent press briefing with ethnic media at DePaul University, in downtown Chicago. Niño’s view on the economic impact of vaccination was backed by a cost-benefit analysis report conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) early this year. For every dollar the government spent on flu vaccine, it saved $6.30 in direct medical costs, with an aggregate savings of $10.5 billion, the CDC report finds. If indirect medical costs to society — such as losses due to missed work, death or disability — are added, the CDC says that every flu shot saves $18.40, reaching a total savings of $42 billion.” Read more…
4) “GA leads the nation in flu cases” WALB (GA) (December 1, 2010) – “Georgia is leading the nation in the number of flu cases this season. 26 cases have been confirmed so far in the 14 county health district that includes Albany. Four of those patients required hospitalization. Public health officials say we’re far above the average number of five or six cases typical for this time of year… The end of flu season isn’t until late march or early April, so you still have plenty of time to get a flu shot.” Read more…
5) “Homeopathic Flu ‘Cures’ and Dead Ducks” Forbes Blog (November 23, 2010) – “Oscillococcinum sounds like medicine. And if you saw this package in a store next to all the other cold and flu remedies, you might be tempted to give it a try. It looks just like a box of anthistamines or other real medicines. With flu season coming soon, you might want to look at this box more closely before you buy it… It sounds like medicine, but it’s not. The front of the box says (in small print) that it’s ‘homeopathic medicine,’ which isn’t medicine at all. In fact, it’s nothing more than a sugar pill, which is why the product can advertise that it has “no side effects” and “no drug interactions.’ But in much larger print, the package says ‘Flu-like Symptoms’, followed by a list of symptoms: ‘Feeling run-down, headaches, body aches, chills, fever.’ Anyone might be fooled into thinking this product is supposed to treat these conditions. If you go to the manufacturer’s (Boiron) website , they make the explicit claim that it ‘Temporarily relieves flu-like symptoms such as feeling run down, headache, body aches, chills and fever.’ The Walgreen’s website says the same thing.” Read more…
Posted December 2, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
With the flu season upon us, more confirmed cases of flu are popping up across the country. This also means that during this time of holiday hustle-and-bustle, the chances of coming in contact with flu-causing germs can also increase.
In addition to getting your flu shot, it’s important to continually take measures to protect you and your loved ones from getting the flu and understand what you can do if you do happen to get the flu.
If you feel like you might be getting the flu, or even if you are completely healthy right now, it’s very important to be aware of common flu symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), having these symptoms does not always mean that you have the flu as many different illnesses, including the common cold, can have similar symptoms.[1] However, being aware of these symptoms can help you take measures to start feeling better. These include:
- Fever (usually high)
- Headache
- Fatigue (can be extreme)
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Diarrhea and vomiting (more common among children than adults)
If you develop these symptoms and are concerned about your health, especially if you are at high risk for complications, please consult with your healthcare provider.
Should your doctor determine that you have the flu, there are steps you can take if you are sick.
The first (and most important) thing to do is stay home from work or school and avoid contact with other people. The CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do that no one else can do for you. You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.[2]
According to the CDC, most people who get the flu have a mild illness and do not need medical care, there are sometimes “emergency warning signs” for flu symptoms that require immediate medical attention. These include:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
- Sudden dizziness
- Confusion
- Severe or persistent vomiting
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
Regardless of the severity of the flu, it’s important to stay away from others as much as possible to prevent them from getting sick. Also remember to continue to wash your hands as this helps prevent the spread of germs to others.
The CDC continues to recommend that the best way to prevent the flu is for everyone to receive their flu vaccine.
[1] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms.htm
[2] http://www.cdc.gov/flu/takingcare.htm
Posted November 12, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Schools, hospitals, corporations… it seems that everyone is jumping on the flu vaccine bandwagon… and for good reason! The flu is a serious illness that can lead to even more serious complications, including death. Organizations around the nation are recognizing the benefits to keeping their people healthy by making flu shots readily available.
Take a look at how the flu is gripping headlines across the nation…
1) “NH starts flu clinics in schools” Boston Globe (MA) (November 9, 2010) – “New Hampshire public health officials are starting flu clinics at selected schools and hope to vaccinate half of the state’s school age children. About 100 schools will hold clinics in the coming months in Belknap, Coos and Grafton counties as well as in the greater Manchester area. The government recommends that everyone over 6 months old get vaccinated. This year’s vaccine protects against three strains of the flu including last year’s H1N1 virus. The state is providing the vaccine through its immunization program. The cost of administering the shot will be paid by the child’s insurance or the state immunization program. The pilot project covers registered students in participating districts and not younger siblings, parents or staff.” Continue reading…
2) “Hospitals Statewide Adopt Flu Vaccine” KPLU (NPR) (WA) (November 9, 2010) – “Nearly every hospital in Washington has now adopted a mandatory flu-shot policy for hospital workers. That makes Washington the first state in the nation where nearly every hospital employee will be immunized… Then, a bill to make this policy a state law failed in the legislature. So, the hospital association decided this summer to make it a campaign. Now, 94 out of 98 hospitals in the state have signed on, with four tiny rural hospitals still waiting to make the transition. Sauer says it represents a better understanding of what’s at stake.” Continue reading…
3) “Flu shots can pay off big for employers” Los Angeles Times (CA) (November 10, 2010) – “Flu vaccinations for employees can help an employer’s bottom line, according to a new study. Research presented Tuesday at the annual meeting of the American Public Health Assn., found that for each employee vaccinated an employer can save $63 to $95 per person. Vaccinating an entire 150-person company, for example, could yield savings of between $9,450 and $14,250. The study analyzes the cost of providing flu vaccine to employees and the costs in terms of absenteeism and lost productivity from having some workers out with the flu. The key to big savings, however, is to immunize workers early in the flu season. If an employer holds a flu clinic after December, the savings won’t add up. The savings to an employer are especially significant if a flu clinic is held early in a year when a pandemic flu is circulating. In that case, vaccination can save an employer $33.94 to $700.69 per vaccinated employee.” Continue reading…
4) “Flu shot safe for pregnant women, study finds” Reuters Health (November 11, 2010) – “The safety of the flu shot, which is made using killed influenza virus, has been studied in about 10,000 pregnant women, with no evidence that it presents a particular risk in this group… These latest findings ‘add to the existing evidence that the (flu shot) is safe for pregnant women,’ lead researcher Dr. Pedro L. Moro, of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, told Reuters Health. Public health officials, as well as medical groups like the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, recommend that all pregnant women receive the flu shot — though not the nasal-spray flu vaccine, which is made from a live, weakened virus.” Continue reading…
5) “Infection control” Boston Globe (MA) (November 8, 2010) – “Q. What did H1N1 teach us last year? A. I think the important lesson of the influenza pandemic is pandemics do occur. Q. Will people become complacent about pandemic flu, too? A. You need to get as many people vaccinated as you possibly can every year for the seasonal influenza and when you get the unpredictable emergence of a pandemic influenza, you will already have the infrastructure in place to make and distribute vaccine to as many people as you possibly can. In fact, that is what we are doing. Each year we vaccinate more and more people. We used to vaccinate 20, 30, 40, 50 million people a year each season. This year 160 million people will get vaccinated for the seasonal flu.” Continue reading…
Posted November 11, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots
Cases of flu are already starting to pop up across the United States and it won’t be long before we start seeing more widespread flu activity. But while flu season is officially underway, that doesn’t mean it is too late to get a flu shot. In fact, now is still a great time to get vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get vaccinated before December so that those vaccinated are protected prior to the peak of flu season. It typically takes about two weeks after getting vaccinated for antibodies to develop and for your body to be fully protected, which is why it is better not to wait until flu season begins to get vaccinated.1
Vaccination is an important part of protecting yourself and loved ones from the flu. In fact, the CDC recommends getting a flu shot as the number one way to protect yourself against influenza. Despite the warnings, some recent surveys have found that a large percentage of the population might skip vaccination this flu season, leaving them vulnerable to influenza. Many of the reasons given by those planning not to get vaccinated are because of common myths. If you still have any questions about the flu vaccine, learn more about some of the common flu shot myths and get the facts about getting vaccinated.
Flu season typically peaks in January or February and can last as late as May, so getting vaccinated now will still help protect you through the peak of flu season and beyond.
Findaflushot.com has a flu shot locator that makes it easy to find a flu shot in your area. You can search by zip code and even schedule a text or e-mail reminder so you don’t forget to get vaccinated.
1-http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/fluvaccine.htm
Posted November 9, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Risk/Priority Groups
As the country heads into the height of flu season, many people simply feel that getting the flu “can’t happen to me.” In fact, we recently blogged that a recent study found that a whopping 43 percent of Americans do not plan on getting their flu vaccine this season. This is a staggering figure considering the amount of personal stories from people across the country that developed influenza and serious flu-related complications.
Just ask Luke Duvall, a healthy and athletic 15-year-old who nearly lost his life after being diagnosed with H1N1 last year. Luke is now a spokesperson for Every Child By Two, which raises awareness about the importance of the influenza vaccine. Luke’s story recently appeared in the LA Times, and while he has made a full recovery from his battle with H1N1, he wonders how different things would have been for him if he had received his flu vaccine.
Read Luke’s personal account here.
Remember: the single best way to prevent getting the flu is by getting your flu shot. It is not too late to get vaccinated and be protected before the height of flu season begins. There are hundreds of flu clinics across the country and in your area. Find a flu shot clinic in your area today!
Posted November 5, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
As flu activity picks up, the theme this week seemed to focus on the extensive reasons to get a flu shot, with headlines ranging from the abundance of flu vaccine this year to why expectant mothers need to get their flu shots to staying healthy for the holidays. One thing is for sure, this is a great time to pay a visit to your local flu shot clinic before the season fully gets underway.
Below are just a few examples of how the flu is making headlines across the nation…
1) “Flu vaccine widely available” Democrat and Chronicle (NY) (October 28, 2010) – “Flu vaccine is widely available at public clinics, doctor’s offices and pharmacies, but the cost may vary depending on where you go. Insurance plans may only cover vaccinations from certain places, so check with your insurer or check the website of the clinic provider… Monroe County: More than 150 walk-in flu clinics have already been held and about three dozen flu clinics remain from today through Nov. 20, offered by Flu Prevention Partners, Independent Nursing Care, Maxim Health Systems and University of Rochester Medical Center. For a recorded list, call (585) 753-5600, or go to www.monroecounty.gov/health-flu.” Continue reading…
2) “Exercise helps fend off colds and flu” KJRH (OK) (November 1, 2010) – “Remember the old saying, ‘An apple a day keeps the doctor away?” Here’s a modern twist: “A bit of exercise every day may keep the doctor away.’ Researchers from Appalachian State found the more physically active people were — the fewer colds they got during the fall and winter months. And when they did get colds — their symptoms were less severe than more sedentary people. Doctors say bouts of exercise can temporarily increase the immune system’s response to potential viral invaders in the body. The findings were published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine.” Continue reading…
3) “Expectant moms’ flu shots protect newborns” KING5 (WA) (October 30, 2010) – “After her newborn’s pediatric visit, new mom Jennifer made one more stop, to Seattle Children’s flu vaccine clinic. ‘I came to get my flu vaccine so that hopefully I don’t get the flu and don’t share it with her,’ she said. At just 11 weeks old, baby Minnie can’t get a flu shot. Research shows the vaccine isn’t effective for babies under six months of age. It can be a risky interval explains Seattle Children’s pediatrician Dr. Danielle Zerr. ‘When babies get the flu they can develop high fever. They can develop a respiratory infection or an infection in their lungs that makes it difficult for them to breathe,’ she said. Dr. Zerr is an associate professor of pediatrics at Seattle Children’s. She said a new study suggests there’s a way moms can lower influenza’s toll on babies – by getting the shots before they’re even born.” Continue reading…
4) “Your head says cold, but your body screams influenza” Columbus Dispatch (OH) (October 31, 2010) – “It’s that time of year, and you’re sick. So, is it a cold or flu? Sure, they have some things in common. Both are caused by viruses, circulate mostly in the winter months and shouldn’t be treated with antibiotics. But there are also some pretty big differences. If you’re tempted to compare your suffering to that of a person run over by a large vehicle, it’s probably the flu. Either that, or you’re a bit of a drama queen. Flu knocks out the most stalwart, sending them to bed wishing their mommy would press a cool washcloth to their forehead.” Continue reading…
5) “Jon Law: Get flu vaccine now and enjoy holidays” El Paso Times (TX) (November 1, 2010) – “Autumn, my favorite season, is now in full swing. Cooler weather and UTEP football games are welcome reminders that the holiday season is coming soon. While we’re a long distance from New England’s illustrious fall foliage, a few of our local tree leaves are even turning yellow, orange and brown. And, it’s also the time for an important, but less glorious, ritual — the annual flu vaccine.” Continue reading…
For information about local flu clinics and flu news and resources, please visit info.findaflushot.com.
Remind family and friends to get their flu shots too by sending them a Free E-Card.
Posted November 4, 2010 | Filed in CDC Alerts, Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Many associate the flu with winter, and while it’s true, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),that flu activity most commonly peaks in the United States in January or February[i], the country is already starting to see confirmed flu outbreaks, and in certain cases, death.
Last week we posted about the lack of motivation some have to get vaccinated this flu season now that the attention to H1N1 that gripped last year’s flu season has waned. Many people are simply unmotivated to get the vaccine this year because the perception is that this season will be much milder. However, that perception does not lessen the risks of not getting vaccinated. Last week alone there were at least two confirmed cases of people being hospitalized because of the flu, and in one case a flu-related death. Below are a couple examples of recent flu activity across the country:
- In Oklahoma, a resident died of influenza between October 3 and October 10 according to the state Health Department’s Web site. Also, since September 1, nine residents have been hospitalized with the flu.[ii]
- In Michigan, the first two flu cases were confirmed in Oakland County, this according to the Michigan Department of Community Health.[iii]
In addition to these confirmed cases, the CDC came out with their first weekly flu activity report of the year. According to FluView, a weekly influenza surveillance report from the CDC, during the week of October 17-23 influenza activity remained low in the United States, making it a great time to get a flu shot.
Last week’s confirmed cases are a testament to the fact that the height of flu season is approaching and that the best defense against the flu is to get a flu shot.
Hundreds of flu shot clinics are conveniently located throughout the country. Use our clinic search to find a flu shot clinic near you and get your flu shot to protect yourself and your family this flu season.
[i] http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/10/25/AR2010102503343.html
[ii] http://newsok.com/flu-death-adds-to-oklahomas-health-concerns/article/3508032
[iii] http://www.wlns.com/Global/story.asp?S=13371552
Posted October 26, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Pediatric, Risk/Priority Groups
As parents, teachers, and most adults know, children have a way of picking up colds and other illnesses at school. As flu season approaches, it becomes even more important to teach kids how to stay healthy. While the number one way to prevent the flu is to make sure your child gets his or her flu shot, proper and consistent hand washing is one of the easiest ways to also help prevent the spread of influenza. Kids don’t always listen when you tell them to wash their hands, but it’s a message worth repeating. When your children come into contact with germs or viruses such as the flu, they can unknowingly become infected simply by touching their eyes, nose, or mouth. Once infected, it is usually only a matter of time before the whole family gets sick as well.
Germs can be spread or transmitted in many ways, including:
- touching dirty hands or contaminated surfaces, such as doorknobs, desks, or books
- sharing objects such as utensils, cups, or bottles
- through droplets released during a cough or a sneeze
- through contact with a sick person’s body fluids
Teach Good Health Habits
To minimize the germs passed around your family, and to protect yourself from the flu this season, make frequent hand washing a rule for everyone, especially:
- before eating
- after using the bathroom
- after cleaning the house
- after touching animals, including family pets
- before and after visiting any sick friends or relatives
- after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
- after being outside (playing, walking the dog, etc.)
You can even show your children how to get rid of germs by taking these steps when washing your hands together so they learn how important this good habit is:
- Wet hands with warm water and apply soap, making sure the water isn’t too hot for little hands.
- Rub hands together vigorously for at least 20 seconds, covering all surfaces of the hands and giving extra attention to under the fingernails and between the fingers where uninvited germs like to hang out. (For younger children who may rush hand washing, have them sing a short song such as “Row, Row, Row, Your Boat,” or “Happy Birthday”, which will ensure they wash for at least 20 seconds.)
- Rinse hands with water.
- Dry thoroughly with a clean, disposable towel.
- Use towel to turn off faucet.
Educational Tools
Parents can reinforce their children’s hand-washing habits by using tools such as The Scrub Club®. The Scrub Club® is a collaborative effort between the American Red Cross and NSF International (NSF) to help protect public health by teaching children the importance of proper and consistent hand washing to help fight germs and prevent illnesses like the flu. The interactive Web site offers free educational materials, music, games, and cartoon “Webisodes” to help raise awareness about the benefits of hand washing.
While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is recommending that everyone receive their flu shot this year as the best way to prevent the flu, it is important not to underestimate the power of hand washing in helping to stop the spread of influenza. Make it a fun experience for your kids. The few seconds you spend at the kitchen or bathroom sink could save you trips to the doctor’s office this flu season.
To find a flu shot clinic near you or to learn more about how you can protect yourself and your family this flu season, visit info.findaflushot.com.
Sources used:
http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sick/hand_washing.html#
http://www.redcross.org/portal/site/en/menuitem.1a019a978f421296e81ec89e43181aa0/?vgnextoid=14a9a8ebaa3f0210VgnVCM10000089f0870aRCRD
http://www.henrythehand.com/
Posted October 22, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
Bloomberg Businessweek reported recently on a survey released by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) that found 43 percent of Americans do NOT plan to get vaccinated against flu this year, a startling number considering the focus H1N1 put on the flu virus last season.
The NFID also asked those surveyed why they planned to skip vaccination. Many of the reasons given included common myths about the flu and the flu vaccine. While reasons for skipping vaccinations range from misconceptions about transmission to taking flu lightly, one thing remains true: influenza is more than an inconvenience. It is a serious illness that can cause weeks of sickness or even death. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. That’s an average of one person almost every 2 ½ minutes!
We took a look at some of the reasons people gave for skipping flu shots this season and sorted through some of the fact and fiction of flu. Below are some of the most common myths that people use as reasons for not getting a flu shot.
Myth: The flu shot can give you the flu
Of the people in the NFID survey who said they did not plan to get a flu shot this year, 62 percent said that a reason for not getting the shot was because the vaccine could give you the flu or because of a concern about side effects. The fact is the flu vaccine can’t give you flu. The injectable flu vaccine contains killed influenza viruses and side effects typically include soreness where the flu shot was given and sometimes aches or a low-grade fever.1 The CDC has a great informational page with key facts about the flu shot that gives details about vaccination and dispels some of the myths.
Myth: There are other ways to protect yourself
Many people in the NFID survey said that they don’t plan to get the flu shot because there are other ways they can protect themselves. But unless you plan to live in isolation for the duration of flu season, nothing will be more effective in influenza prevention than a flu vaccine. Thirty-four percent in the survey thought that hand-washing was as effective as the vaccine in preventing influenza. While hand washing is an important part of protection, it is only a part of the bigger picture. The CDC says that vaccination is the single best way to protect you and your family against flu. Keep in mind, just because you washed your hands doesn’t mean that a person with flu didn’t just touch that door knob you were using. And teaching your children to wash their hands doesn’t mean that they won’t be exposed to germs while at school or on the playground.
Myth: I’m healthy
The survey from NFID found that 69 percent of people who were not planning to get a flu shot held the belief that they are healthy and the flu doesn’t worry them. While it is true that there are groups of people at higher risks for complications from flu, the flu doesn’t discriminate and can impact both the frail and healthy in severe ways. For example, last year the H1N1 virus disproportionately impacted otherwise healthy children and almost 90 percent of deaths occurred in people under the age of 65. 2 Also, keep in mind that the flu shot doesn’t just protect you, but your loved ones, too. If you are around children, the elderly, or people who are in a high-risk group you getting vaccinated means that you are at a lower risk of passing on the flu virus to them.
Myth: The vaccine protects against just one strain of flu so it won’t be effective
Some people think that the flu vaccine protects against just one strain of the flu virus. The fact is, the flu vaccine contains protection against three different strains of influenza. This year, one of the strains the vaccine protects you against is H1N1. The process for deciding what strains go into the flu vaccine involves year-round surveillance and reporting from 101 countries to determine what strains are most likely to take hold each flu season. Based on that research, researchers in the United States determine which strains should be included in the vaccine distributed to the United States population.3 The CDC has already reported lab confirmed influenza cases in the United States for each of the three strains included in this years seasonal influenza vaccine.
Myth: Getting the flu shot takes too much time
Another excuse a lot of people give for not getting vaccinated is time. But time is no longer an excuse with thousands of flu clinics all over the country in convenient locations. People can now get their flu shots while grocery shopping, while at the mall, or in a variety of other convenient locations. Use our flu locator tool to find a clinic near you. When you find a clinic you can even sign up for a text message or e-mail reminder so you are reminded as your local flu clinic approaches.
By the way, one person that is probably getting vaccinated this year? Your doctor. A NFID survey of 400 physicians from September found that more than 90 percent are getting vaccinated this year and most recommend their families get vaccinated, too. As always, any health decisions should be discussed with a trusted physician, so if you still have questions about flu and how it applies to you, be sure to talk to your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself this flu season.
1- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm
2- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm#howserious
3- http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1011_vac_selection.htm
Posted October 14, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Press Releases
FLU CLINICS GO SOCIAL
Maxim Health Systems Puts Power in the Hands of Consumers Online
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.