VERO BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 23, 2005) – With the arrival of 8,500 flu vaccine doses, the Visiting Nurse Association is set to launch its annual Shoo the Flu immunization campaign. The program, now in its 13th year, provides influenza and pneumonia vaccinations to Indian River, north St. Lucie and south Brevard counties. The VNA’s first round of immunization clinics will be held at Dodgertown, Oct. 4-7 and Oct. 10-13 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
“The flu season is fast approaching and our goal is to increase the number of people getting immunized this year. The flu vaccine is our most effective protection against influenza; more illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths will be prevented if people get their flu shot before the season begins in November,” said Allison Downing, VNA Health Services manager.
The VNA received its first shipment of vaccine on Sept. 14 and another shipment on Sept. 20. The VNA also anticipates a third shipment of 6,000 doses by mid-October.
The VNA administers vaccinations to anyone 18 and older; flu vaccines are $31 per dose; pneumonia vaccines are $44 per dose. There is no charge for people who present a Medicare or Health First Medicare HMO insurance card at time of immunization. In accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines, the VNA will be giving flu shots to only high priority groups until Oct. 24, after which time the flu vaccine will be available to the general public.
High priority groups include people 65 and older, people with chronic illness, residents of long-term care facilities, pregnant women and health care workers who provide direct patient care.
Influenza is a highly contagious disease that often makes people sick enough to keep them in bed for several days. People with weakened immune systems are likely to suffer more serious effects because of the flu virus. VNA urges seniors, people with chronic health conditions and other individuals who are at risk for flu related complications to get immunized early.
Shoo the Flu vaccination clinics will be held at other locations in Indian River County through the end of November. On-site corporate flu clinics are also available in Indian River County beginning in early November for businesses with 10 or more employees. To schedule a corporate clinic, call 978-5515. For the complete VNA public flu clinic schedule, call 567-5760. To learn about the influenza and pneumonia vaccines and CDC recommendations for who should be vaccinated, visit www.vnatc.com.
