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Flu Clinics are Open for Business, Wal-Mart Shooting for a Million People<o:p></o:p>
http://www.seniorjournal.com/Spotlig...icsAreOpen.htm Senior citizens have many options for free flu shots this season<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
October 19, 2006 ? Flu shot clinics ? free to senior citizens on Medicare ? are busy all over the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> These clinics are easy to locate and there is an ample supply of vaccine, especially for the high-risk older Americans. Wal-Mart and its associated Sam's Club, partnering with Theraflu, claim to be hosting the nation's largest flu vaccination event this month and their target is immunize a million people.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
All the major pharmacies and most located even in your neighborhood grocery store are providing these free clinics. Many offer both flu and pneumonia vaccinations, although, you may need instructions from your doctor for the pneumonia shot.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Wal-Mart's giant event will be held for two weekends, October 21-22 and October 28-29. The company says it will make the Fluvirin flu virus vaccines available at 3,349 Wal-Mart and 458 Sam's Club locations.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
No appointment is necessary at the Wal-Mart and Sam's locations ? it is "first come, first served" - but many other local flu clinics to require an appointment.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
At the Wal-Mart/Sam's locations the vaccinations will be administered by certified health care professionals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Vaccinations will be administered as long as the in-store supplies last.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Get Flu Shots Beginning in October<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
October or November is the best time to get a flu shot, but getting a shot in January or even later can still be beneficial. Flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May. In the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the peak of flu season can occur anywhere from late December through March.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The American Heart Association has released new guidelines for the 2007-08 flu season with includes a new recommendation that all heart disease patients get flu shots.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Patients with cardiovascular disease should only receive the flu vaccine by injection, not the live, attenuated vaccine given as a nasal spray, which can cause influenza in this high-risk population.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Every year in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>, about 36,000 people die from influenza (flu) and over 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications from it. These complications can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these high-risk individuals include:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● People 50 years and older<o:p></o:p>
● People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses<o:p></o:p>
● Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma<o:p></o:p>
● Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the prior year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS])<o:p></o:p>
● Children 6 months to 18 years old who are on long-term aspirin therapy. (Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye syndrome.)<o:p></o:p>
● Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season<o:p></o:p>
● All children 6 to 59 months of age<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Wal-Mart says Medicare Part B and Humana participants with a valid card and picture ID will not be charged for their flu vaccination. Medicare pays for flu immunizations as part of its preventive services, but the shots may be covered by other insurance, as well.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"The CDC recommends annual vaccination each fall as the single best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting influenza," said Suzanne Mintz, President/Co-Founder of the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"It's important for people to get vaccinated and protect themselves each year because influenza is contagious, can cause mild to moderate illness, and at times can cause death, especially in high- risk persons, such as those with complex chronic conditions."<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from influenza and its complications, while about 36,000 people die from influenza and its complications during each influenza season. This period can begin as early as October or November and continue through April.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
While most healthy people can recover from influenza without complications, some individuals, such as people 50 years and older and people with certain chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease, are at high risk for serious complications from influenza.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The CDC recommends those considered to be at high risk and their close contacts, such as family caregivers, health care and childcare workers, be vaccinated annually.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"Theraflu is excited to be a sponsor of these flu vaccination events. Together with Wal-Mart and Novartis Vaccines, we are committed to help educate and protect as many people in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> from influenza as possible this season by making flu vaccination easy and accessible," said Brian McNamara, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Novartis Consumer Health OTC, makers of Theraflu. "One of the easiest, most convenient ways to help protect yourself from getting influenza this year is to stop by Wal-Mart or Sam's Club to get your Fluvirin vaccine administered."<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Theraflu are committed to educating consumers about influenza and helping to protect public health by providing convenient, affordable access to influenza vaccines across the country. For a full list of participating Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in your area or more information about the flu vaccination events, visit www.theraflu.com, www.walmart.com, www.samsclub.com or call the Wal-Mart Flu Vaccine Hotline at 1-888-881-0372.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"Wal-Mart and our division Sam's Club, together with Novartis Consumer Health and Theraflu, are providing the opportunity for convenient and affordable access to flu vaccinations to our customers, especially for those who might not be able to visit a doctor's office this season," said Ron Chomiuk, Vice President, Pharmacy Operations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "The 2006 vaccination effort illustrates our continued commitment to the overall health and well-being of our customers, as well as our associates who will have access to the program."<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Pregnant women, children under nine and those who have egg allergies or have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) cannot get vaccinated for influenza at this event. They should visit their physician for further information on how they can help protect themselves this influenza season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The CDC recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of influenza:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Cover mouth and nose. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue whenever possible and discard it in the trash.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Clean hands often. Make every effort to wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand-washing stops the spread of germs. Alcohol-based gels and wipes also work well.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Remind family members to practice healthy habits. Germs that cause colds, coughs, influenza and pneumonia can spread easily among those in close contact. Institute healthy practices in the home to prevent the spread of illness to other family members.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Share information about healthy habits with co-workers. Healthy habits can help reduce illnesses and sick days in the workplace as well.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Avoid spreading influenza. Influenza can make some individuals very ill. It is important to stay home when sick with the flu to avoid spreading it to others. See a doctor when necessary.
http://www.seniorjournal.com/Spotlig...icsAreOpen.htm Senior citizens have many options for free flu shots this season<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
October 19, 2006 ? Flu shot clinics ? free to senior citizens on Medicare ? are busy all over the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region> These clinics are easy to locate and there is an ample supply of vaccine, especially for the high-risk older Americans. Wal-Mart and its associated Sam's Club, partnering with Theraflu, claim to be hosting the nation's largest flu vaccination event this month and their target is immunize a million people.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
All the major pharmacies and most located even in your neighborhood grocery store are providing these free clinics. Many offer both flu and pneumonia vaccinations, although, you may need instructions from your doctor for the pneumonia shot.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Wal-Mart's giant event will be held for two weekends, October 21-22 and October 28-29. The company says it will make the Fluvirin flu virus vaccines available at 3,349 Wal-Mart and 458 Sam's Club locations.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
No appointment is necessary at the Wal-Mart and Sam's locations ? it is "first come, first served" - but many other local flu clinics to require an appointment.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
At the Wal-Mart/Sam's locations the vaccinations will be administered by certified health care professionals from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. local time. Vaccinations will be administered as long as the in-store supplies last.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Get Flu Shots Beginning in October<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
October or November is the best time to get a flu shot, but getting a shot in January or even later can still be beneficial. Flu season can start as early as October and last as late as May. In the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>, the peak of flu season can occur anywhere from late December through March.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The American Heart Association has released new guidelines for the 2007-08 flu season with includes a new recommendation that all heart disease patients get flu shots.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Patients with cardiovascular disease should only receive the flu vaccine by injection, not the live, attenuated vaccine given as a nasal spray, which can cause influenza in this high-risk population.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Every year in the <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">U.S.</st1:place></st1:country-region>, about 36,000 people die from influenza (flu) and over 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications from it. These complications can include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), these high-risk individuals include:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● People 50 years and older<o:p></o:p>
● People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities that house those with long-term illnesses<o:p></o:p>
● Adults and children 6 months and older with chronic heart or lung conditions, including asthma<o:p></o:p>
● Adults and children 6 months and older who needed regular medical care or were in a hospital during the prior year because of a metabolic disease (like diabetes), chronic kidney disease, or weakened immune system (including immune system problems caused by medicines or by infection with human immunodeficiency virus [HIV/AIDS])<o:p></o:p>
● Children 6 months to 18 years old who are on long-term aspirin therapy. (Children given aspirin while they have influenza are at risk of Reye syndrome.)<o:p></o:p>
● Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season<o:p></o:p>
● All children 6 to 59 months of age<o:p></o:p>
<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Wal-Mart says Medicare Part B and Humana participants with a valid card and picture ID will not be charged for their flu vaccination. Medicare pays for flu immunizations as part of its preventive services, but the shots may be covered by other insurance, as well.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"The CDC recommends annual vaccination each fall as the single best way to help protect yourself and your loved ones from contracting influenza," said Suzanne Mintz, President/Co-Founder of the National Family Caregivers Association (NFCA).<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"It's important for people to get vaccinated and protect themselves each year because influenza is contagious, can cause mild to moderate illness, and at times can cause death, especially in high- risk persons, such as those with complex chronic conditions."<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
According to the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from influenza and its complications, while about 36,000 people die from influenza and its complications during each influenza season. This period can begin as early as October or November and continue through April.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
While most healthy people can recover from influenza without complications, some individuals, such as people 50 years and older and people with certain chronic health conditions such as heart and lung disease, are at high risk for serious complications from influenza.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The CDC recommends those considered to be at high risk and their close contacts, such as family caregivers, health care and childcare workers, be vaccinated annually.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"Theraflu is excited to be a sponsor of these flu vaccination events. Together with Wal-Mart and Novartis Vaccines, we are committed to help educate and protect as many people in <st1:country-region w:st="on"><st1:place w:st="on">America</st1:place></st1:country-region> from influenza as possible this season by making flu vaccination easy and accessible," said Brian McNamara, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Novartis Consumer Health OTC, makers of Theraflu. "One of the easiest, most convenient ways to help protect yourself from getting influenza this year is to stop by Wal-Mart or Sam's Club to get your Fluvirin vaccine administered."<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Theraflu are committed to educating consumers about influenza and helping to protect public health by providing convenient, affordable access to influenza vaccines across the country. For a full list of participating Wal-Mart, Neighborhood Markets and Sam's Club locations in your area or more information about the flu vaccination events, visit www.theraflu.com, www.walmart.com, www.samsclub.com or call the Wal-Mart Flu Vaccine Hotline at 1-888-881-0372.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
"Wal-Mart and our division Sam's Club, together with Novartis Consumer Health and Theraflu, are providing the opportunity for convenient and affordable access to flu vaccinations to our customers, especially for those who might not be able to visit a doctor's office this season," said Ron Chomiuk, Vice President, Pharmacy Operations, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. "The 2006 vaccination effort illustrates our continued commitment to the overall health and well-being of our customers, as well as our associates who will have access to the program."<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
Pregnant women, children under nine and those who have egg allergies or have a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) cannot get vaccinated for influenza at this event. They should visit their physician for further information on how they can help protect themselves this influenza season.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
The CDC recommends the following actions to help prevent the spread of influenza:<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Cover mouth and nose. When coughing or sneezing, use a tissue whenever possible and discard it in the trash.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Clean hands often. Make every effort to wash hands frequently, especially after coughing or sneezing. Hand-washing stops the spread of germs. Alcohol-based gels and wipes also work well.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Remind family members to practice healthy habits. Germs that cause colds, coughs, influenza and pneumonia can spread easily among those in close contact. Institute healthy practices in the home to prevent the spread of illness to other family members.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Share information about healthy habits with co-workers. Healthy habits can help reduce illnesses and sick days in the workplace as well.<o:p></o:p>
<o:p> </o:p>
● Avoid spreading influenza. Influenza can make some individuals very ill. It is important to stay home when sick with the flu to avoid spreading it to others. See a doctor when necessary.