VERO BEACH, Fla. (Sept. 28,2006) –The Visiting Nurse Association urges Indian River County residents to prepare now for the upcoming flu season by being vaccinated. This year, there is no high-risk restriction so everyone is eligible to receive a flu shot in October.
“There are new strains of influenza, so even if you got a flu shot last year, you must get immunized again this year. Residents in the high priority group are urged to get their flu shots early,” said Allison Downing, VNA Health Services manager.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the high-risk group includes: people 65 and older; people with chronic illness such as heart disease, kidney disease, asthma, diabetes, weakened immune system or neuromuscular disorders that cause breathing problems; residents of long-term care facilities; pregnant women in the second or third trimester; health care workers who provide direct patient care; and people who may come into contact with children under 6 months.
The VNA is set to launch its annual Shoo the Flu immunization campaign on Oct. 3. The program, now in its 14th 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 The Outlets at Vero Beach (1872 94th Dr.) on Oct. 3-6 and Oct. 9-12 from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Other clinics locations scheduled for the first two weeks of October include Sebastian Women’s Club (952 U.S. Highway 1 in Sebastian) on Oct. 4 from 9 - 11 a.m. and First United Methodist Church (1750 20th St. in Vero Beach) on Oct. 8 from 9 - 11 a.m.
Influenza is a highly contagious disease that often makes people sick enough to keep them in bed for several days. But it can also lead to more serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia. People with weakened immune systems are likely to suffer more serious effects because of the flu virus.
The VNA administers vaccinations to anyone 18 and older; flu vaccines are $28 per dose; pneumonia vaccines are $44 per dose. There is no out-of-pocket expense for people who present a Medicare or Health First Medicare HMO insurance card at time of immunization. VNA Shoo the Flu vaccination clinics will also be held at other locations in Indian River County through early January. For the complete and most up-to-date VNA flu clinic schedule, call 567-5760 or visit www.vnatc.com.
