VERO BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 28, 2005) – With flu season right around the corner, the Visiting Nurse Association is seeking public places to hold on-site flu clinics in south Brevard County.
“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.
To be an on-site clinic location, an organization must have a minimum of 25 people and a room available for the clinic, including tables and chairs for the nurses and a small waiting area for people receiving the shot.
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 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.
To schedule a clinic, call 772-978-5515 or 1-800-749-5760 ext. 5515. To learn about the influenza and pneumonia vaccines and CDC recommendations for who should be vaccinated, visit www.vnatc.com. ####
