The Visiting Nurse Association urges residents of Indian River County to prepare for the upcoming flu season by being vaccinated. With expanded guidelines for high-risk groups, even more people are eligible for the shot before October 24 this year.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, only high-risk residents should get the shot until Oct. 24. This 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 household contacts and out-of-home contacts for children under 6 months.
“Even if you did get the flu shot last year, it is important for you to get re-immunized this year because of the new strains of influenza. Residents in the high priority group are urged to get their flu shots early,” said Allison Downing, VNA Health Services manager.
The Visiting Nurse Association is set to launch its annual Shoo the Flu immunization campaign on Oct. 4. 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.
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 $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.
VNA Shoo the Flu vaccination clinics will also be held at other locations in Indian River County through the end of November. For the complete VNA flu clinic schedule, call 567-5760. To learn about the influenza and pneumonia vaccines and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations for who should be vaccinated, visit www.vnatc.com.
