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Posts Tagged as Maxim Health Systems
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.
Posted October 11, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, Risk/Priority Groups
After a long hot summer, fall is here. And the fall/winter season also means cold and flu season
In 2009, with the emergence of the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years, organizations and businesses were preparing for the worst, fearing the possibility of widespread illness, substantial absenteeism, and other business disruptions. Compared to last year, the current media hype surrounding the flu seems relatively non-existent. But don’t let that deceive you as we head into this flu season. Now is not the time to let down your guard, either personally or professionally.
Despite the fact that the peak of flu season does not typically occur until January or February, and the uncertainties around how bad this flu season will be, we do know one thing for sure- that the flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and those around you. According to a recent post by Dr. Paul Biddinger* on the Harvard Business Review’s “Your Health at Work” blog, getting your shot is the most important thing you can do for yourself, your co-workers, family, and friends. This is because it is possible to transmit the flu for one or two days before you actually start feeling sick, and therefore the time you could unknowingly spread the virus to those around you. It is best to get your flu shot earlier rather than later because your body needs time to develop antibodies in preparation for the peak season, as well as your best protection against an early arrival of flu season. As of October 7th, 2010 the CDC has lab confirmed cases of influenza from each of the three strains included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
The more people who get vaccinated the better it is for your family, workplace, and community. Many companies offer employee vaccination programs, making it easy for you to conveniently receive your flu shot right at work. If your company doesn’t have an employee vaccination program, urge your employer to get one to make it easier for you and your coworkers to get the flu shot. (This video and this article could help you in giving them the 411 on Flu in the Workplace.) Remember, it isn’t good for you, your co-workers, or your employer if you are going to work sick.
So as you get ready for the fall season, remember —one simple flu shot will give you the best possible protection against the flu. Get yours today-find a convenient location now at www.findaflushot.com.
* Dr. Paul D. Biddinger, a practicing emergency physician, is the Associate Director of the Center for Public Health Preparedness at the Harvard School of Public Health and the Medical Director for Emergency Preparedness at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Posted August 24, 2010 | Filed in Flu Shots, Flu Tips, H1N1 (Swine Flu), Risk/Priority Groups
Last flu season, the H1N1 virus, more commonly known as Swine flu, became the first global influenza pandemic in more than 40 years. While the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared the pandemic over, H1N1 remains a threat this flu season and the CDC says that “it is likely that 2009 H1N1 viruses will continue to spread along with seasonal viruses in the U.S. during the 2010-2011 flu season.” (http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/1011season.htm)
Last year the H1N1 virus “resulted in substantial illness, hospitalizations and deaths,” according to the CDC. While the virus is not expected to be as widespread as last season, it remains one of the strains likely to infect individuals this season. Like other years, the best way to protect yourself from flu is through a flu shot. And while last year the H1N1 vaccine was a separate vaccination from the annual seasonal flu vaccine, this year, protection against last year’s H1N1 virus is included in the seasonal flu vaccine.
The CDC has also expanded its recommendations for who should get vaccinated. The CDC now recommends that everyone six months and older get a 2010-2011 flu vaccine to protect themselves against influenza. While people age 50 and older remain a high risk group for seasonal influenza, the H1N1 virus disproportionately affected younger patients in the 2009-2010 influenza season. In fact, the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report from July 30 states that “279 laboratory-confirmed, influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, nearly four times the average reported in the previous five influenza seasons.”
Learn more about seasonal flu and H1N1
Use findaflushot.com’s resource center to learn more about the differences between seasonal flu and H1N1 and find out more information about flu and flu vaccines by reading through these frequently asked questions. Please consult the CDC Web site for additional information on who should be vaccinated and be sure to speak to your health care provider before any vaccinations.
Schedule a flu shot reminder
Need a reminder to get a flu shot? Sign up for a flu shot reminder and receive an e-mail in your inbox reminding you to get vaccinated. Also, check back on findaflushot.com on September 1 to search for flu vaccine clinics in your area for the 2010-2011 season.
Posted August 28, 2009 | Filed in Press Releases
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.