US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

[Pathfinder]

Colorado: Emphasis on H1N1 shouldn?t distract seniors from seasonal flu threat

Posted by Hal Newman ? December 15, 2009 ? Printer-friendly

Denver CO--With all the focus on 2009 H1N1?s impact on young people this year, the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is reaching out to seniors 65 and older and caregivers of this age group to remind them that they are at high risk for seasonal influenza, not H1N1, and should receive their seasonal vaccination.

State health officials have heard from concerned seniors that they feel overlooked this year in not being considered a priority group for receiving the H1N1 vaccine. ?Seniors 65 and older are not at high risk for H1N1 influenza because of previous exposure to a similar virus. However, this does not mean they can?t get H1N1 and are encouraged to also receive their H1N1 vaccination,? said Margaret Huffman, Immunization Outreach and Clinical Services Program manager at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.

?Seniors? priority should be on getting their seasonal flu vaccine as they are and always have been considered high risk for seasonal influenza. Seasonal flu wreaks the most havoc with the senior population, especially those with chronic health conditions like diabetes and cardiac disease, or those who are smokers,? said Huffman.

Every year, more than 36,000 persons die from flu in the United States, and the majority of these deaths are among seniors.
Huffman said the unprecedented focus on H1N1 influenza this year has caused an increase in demand for seasonal flu vaccine, which has unfortunately been available in very limited supply this year. ?We know this has made it difficult for seniors to get their seasonal flu vaccination.

Fortunately, additional doses of seasonal flu vaccine are arriving in Colorado each week. Seniors are advised to check with their health care provider for the vaccine, or visit www.immunizecolorado.com for locations offering the vaccine.? Unlike H1N1 which has been infecting Coloradans for months, seasonal flu has yet to arrive in the state to any significant degree. While H1N1 appears to have peaked in Colorado, seasonal flu generally doesn?t peak until mid-winter.

Huffman said, ?There is still time to receive your seasonal flu vaccine. We believe you will be protected from influenza if you receive the vaccine at this time, or into January 2010.?
While the H1N1 vaccine also has been slow to arrive in Colorado, higher amounts of vaccine are arriving weekly.

In addition to vaccinations, seniors also can be protected from flu by ensuring that people they come into contact with are vaccinated. ?This is an important safeguard because as we age our immune response to vaccination may not be as robust as when we were younger. Older citizens really need their younger peers to first protect themselves from flu,? said Huffman.

Seniors, and others, looking for a seasonal flu vaccination should first contact their physician. If vaccination isn?t available there, visit http://www.immunizecolorado.com site for a list of vaccination clinics for both seasonal and 2009 H1N1 flu. Callers also can get flu clinic information at the CO HELP phone line at 1-877-462-2911.

http://bigmedicine.ca/wordpress/2009/12/colorado-emphasis-on-h1n1-shouldnt-distract-seniors-from-seasonal-flu-threat/

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Seasonal flu vaccination rates still too low

By Steven Reinberg
HealthDay Reporter

Although the H1N1 pandemic flu has raised public awareness of the flu in general, there has been only a slight increase in the number of people choosing to get a seasonal flu shot, a new report shows.

By the middle of November, only about 32 percent of adults for whom the vaccine is recommended had gotten a shot, according to the survey.

Seasonal flu vaccine is recommended for all adults aged 50 and over, people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, chronic lung disease, as well as health-care workers and people who come into contact with those at risk for flu.

"Health-care professionals and the public really took to heart the advice to both give and get seasonal vaccine early this year," report author Katherine Harris, an economist at RAND Corp., said during a teleconference Wednesday.

"By early September, about three times as many adults had received seasonal influenza vaccine compared to the same time last year," she said. "The early lead had pretty much diminished by mid-November."

The findings are based on a national survey of more than 5,000 adults conducted online between Nov. 4 and Nov. 16 about their vaccination status and related issues.

Among adults not vaccinated at the time of the survey, 17 percent said they planned to get a flu shot, as did 19 percent of those at risk for flu complications.

While the total number of adults getting their seasonal flu shot has remained about the same, adults started getting their shot earlier this year than in the past.

In addition, about 50 percent of health-care workers had gotten a flu shot by the middle of November, which is about the same number of health-care workers who were vaccinated in all of last year's flu season. Still, 39 percent of health-care workers said they did not intend to get vaccinated, according to the report.

Shortages of seasonal flu vaccine appear to account for the slowdown in vaccinations. In fact, 38 percent of adults looking to get vaccinated could not find any.

The importance of getting vaccinated cannot be overstated, Dr. William Schaffner, president-elect of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, said during the teleconference.

"This is a disease that causes 200,000 hospitalizations each year and 36,000 deaths," he said. "Anything we can do to provide protection against those complications is important."

The main reason that so many adults say they will not get vaccinated are misconceptions about the vaccine, Harris said.

"Overall, 60 percent of those who don't intend to be vaccinated this year pointed toward the possibility of becoming sick, experiencing side effects, not believing in vaccine or not needing vaccine," she said.

You can't get flu from the flu vaccine, Schaffner said. "That is categorically incorrect. It is an urban and rural myth that keeps circulating."

Schaffner urged adults to get vaccinated, noting that the seasonal flu usually peaks in February. So there is plenty of time to protect yourself from possible infection, he said.

Other findings in the report include:

• People did not appear to be forgoing seasonal influenza vaccine because they were getting H1N1 flu vaccine.
• Health-care providers were the best source of information about flu shots, according to 44 percent of vaccinated adults.
• Unvaccinated adults relied on news reports rather than health-care providers for information about influenza vaccine.
• Some 44 percent of adults with chronic diseases have been vaccinated.
• Whites were more likely to be vaccinated, while Hispanics were the least likely to have been vaccinated.

In addition to adults, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years get the seasonal vaccine.

According to the CDC, with the spread of the H1N1 swine flu, many people will need both the seasonal flu and the swine flu vaccine. Those who should get the H1N1 vaccine include health-care workers, children and young adults, people with underlying chronic conditions and people who care for infants.

The report released Wednesday was paid for by the pharmaceutical giant GlaxoSmithKline, a major manufacturer of influenza vaccine.

http://www.kptm.com/Global/story.asp?S=11654360&nav=menu606_1

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Florida

Posted: 6:16 PM Dec 15, 2009

Seasonal Flu Clinic Thursday
LEON COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT HOLDS SEASONAL FLU VACCINATION CLINICS

Reporter:

Press Release

Tallahassee?Thursday, December 17, from 12:30 p.m. ? 4 p.m., the Leon County Health Department will hold a seasonal flu vaccination clinic at the Roberts and Stevens Clinic, at 1515 Old Bainbridge Road. No appointment is needed. The cost is $20 unless you belong to Capital Health Plan (CHP) or have Medicare Part B. If you are covered under either of these plans, your shot will be free if you bring a valid picture ID and either your CHP membership card or Medicare Part B card.

Date Time Location

Thursday, December 17 12:30 p.m. ? 4:00 p.m. Roberts & Stevens Clinic
(1515 Old Bainbridge Road)

This seasonal flu vaccination clinic is for anyone 3 years old and older. We urge anyone who has not yet received a seasonal flu shot to get vaccinated. The peak of Florida?s flu season is not until February, so there is still time to protect yourself.

Adults at risk of complications from influenza or who are more likely to require medical care include:

Anyone with long-term health problems with heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes, liver disease, or blood disorders including sickle cell disease

Anyone with a weakened immune system due to HIV/AIDS, long-term treatment with drugs such as steroids or cancer treatment with x-rays or drugs

Women who will be pregnant during influenza season

Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders, such as seizure disorders or cerebral palsy, that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems

In addition, health care providers and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu are encouraged to receive the flu vaccine. This includes household contacts and caregivers of children from birth up to 5 years of age.

For more information, call the Leon County Health Department at 850-606-8020.

http://www.wctv.tv/news/headlines/79353832.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Seasonal Flu Information

There are several different types of flu virus, which can be generally categorized as the H1N1 flu (commonly called the "swine flu") and the seasonal flu. This page will cover information about the seasonal flu information only.

To learn more about the H1N1 flu, click here.

The seasonal flu occurs each year and it?s often wise to be immunized.

Your doctor?s office is the best resource for vaccination.


General Information on the Seasonal Flu

The most common flu is the seasonal flu. Its symptoms include fever, body aches, a headache, a dry cough, and a sore or dry throat. You may feel tired and less hungry than usual. The symptoms usually are the worst for the first 3 or 4 days, but it can take 1 to 2 weeks to get completely better. Most people can treat flu symptoms at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking medicine to lower your fever.

Getting the Seasonal Flu Shot



A seasonal flu shot is a good idea for people who are at high risk for getting other health problems from the flu. This includes:

• People who are age 50 or older.
• People who have long-term, chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or respiratory disease, including asthma.
• People who live in nursing homes or long-term care centers.
• People who have a weakened immune system.
• Women who are or will be pregnant during the flu season.
• Children 6 months through 4 years of age. (The flu shot is recommended for all children from 6 months to 18 years of age.)

A seasonal flu shot is also important for people who could spread the flu to others who are at high risk. This includes:

• Anyone who lives with or cares for a child who is younger than 5.
• Anyone in close contact with a person who is at high risk for other health problems from the flu. This includes family, friends, and caregivers.
• Health care workers.

Some people should not get the seasonal flu shot without talking to their doctor first. This includes:

• People who are allergic to eggs.
• People who have had a bad reaction to the flu shot in the past.
• People who had a rare nerve disorder called Guillain-Barre syndrome after they had an earlier flu shot.
• People who are already sick. If you are ill and have a fever, wait until you're better to get a flu shot.

Will My HMO Plan Cover the Seasonal Flu Shot?

Your doctor?s office is the best resource for getting a seasonal flu shot, and all health plans affiliated with Hill Physicians are covering the shot.

What If My Doctor?s Office is Out of the Seasonal Flu Vaccine?

There may be times when your doctor does not have the vaccine in stock because of high demand or slow vaccine production.

If your doctor?s office runs out of the seasonal flu vaccine, you can obtain the vaccination from a retail location (such as Walgreen?s, CVS/Longs, Safeway Pharmacy, etc.) and be reimbursed for the cost up to $30.

Flu Shot Reimbursement Form

Please use the following form to be reimbursed for both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots this year.

Use the Flu Shot Reimbursement Form here

Advice on How to Stay Healthy this Flu Season



This additional information can help you stay well and provide additional information on the seasonal flu:

• More Tips on Preventing the Flu at Home, Work & School
• How Can I Feel Better if I Have the Seasonal Flu?

http://www.hillphysicians.com/YourHealth/PG_Main/Pages/SeasonalFlu.aspx

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

California- Yorba Linda

December 18, 2009 3:37 PM
<!--googleon: all-->Free seasonal flu vaccines offered Monday

By JESSICA TERRELL
THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

YORBA LINDA ? Free seasonal flu shots will be available for adults age 50 and over at a Senior Flu Clinic from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday at the Yorba Linda Community Center.<!--googleoff: all-->
<!--googleon: all-->

The clinic was scheduled to make up for a Senior Health Fair earlier this year where shots were unavailable because of a shortage as the government focused on H1N1 vaccine production.<!--googleoff: all-->
<!--googleon: all-->

Information: 714-961-7181.

http://www.ocregister.com/news/flu-224910-seasonal-senior.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Rhode Island

01:00 AM EST on Monday, December 21, 2009
Seasonal flu

Seasonal-flu shots will be available Monday at the East Providence Senior Center. To preregister, call (401) 435-7870, or online at www.thewellcomp.com (Click on ?Register Now? with the login of ?epscpub.?). Medicare, UnitedHealthcare and Blue Cross cover the cost of the shot, or the cost is $25.

http://www.projo.com/health/content/flu_box_21_12-21-09_0OGRI07_v6.2f39ec6.html

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Quincy - Ma

The Patriot Ledger
Posted Dec 23, 2009 @ 07:47 PM


<HR class=m5v>Flu clinic in Quincy on Monday

QUINCY ?
The Quincy Health Department will conduct a flu clinic from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Monday at 440 E. Squantum St.

This clinic is for the seasonal flu vaccine only for people 18 and older.
Residents covered by Medicare are asked to bring their insurance cards.

http://www.patriotledger.com/news/x89206282/Flu-clinic-in-Quincy-on-Monday

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

New York State

Last Chance for Seasonal Flu Shots at Oswego County Health Department

Written by: Contributor

Jan 04, 2010 at 5:34 am

OSWEGO ? The Oswego County Health Department will hold its last seasonal flu clinics on Thursday, January 21 and Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Nick Sterio Public Health Clinic on Bunner Street in Oswego.

Anyone interested in receiving the seasonal flu vaccine must schedule an appointment by going to https://www.onflu.net/oswego/ or by calling the health department at 349-3547.

?The flu is serious,? said Oswego County Public Health Director Dr. Dennis Norfleet. ?It can be particularly dangerous for certain people at high risk, including those aged 65 years and older; those with chronic illnesses such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, kidney or heart disease; and pregnant women and young children. An otherwise healthy person may be sick in bed for a week with the flu, but passing the flu on to someone in one of these groups could have far more serious consequences.?

People can protect themselves and those around them by getting vaccinated. Flu shots are available to anyone three years of age or older and reduce your chances of getting the virus by 70 to 90 percent.

The flu shot is an inactivated vaccine that contains three seasonal influenza viruses and does not include the H1N1 virus. People who want the H1N1 vaccination must receive a separate shot.

For more information about the seasonal flu vaccine, call the Oswego County Health Department at 349-3547 or 1-800-596-3200, ext. 3547, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday or go to http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/flushot.htm.

http://oswegocountytoday.com/?p=28690

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Rhode Island

Press Releases


Health Department Receives Donation of Seasonal Vaccine

The Department of Health (HEALTH) has received a donation of 5,000 doses of injectable seasonal influenza vaccine from Provant Health Solutions, LLC. This vaccine will be distributed to physician offices, community health centers and long-term care facilities that serve the elderly, the uninsured and medically fragile individuals.

?This donation of seasonal vaccine is greatly appreciated and will be put to good use,? said Director of Health David R. Gifford, MD, MPH. ?We did not receive all the seasonal flu vaccine we ordered, so this vaccine will help to protect at-risk Rhode Islanders who could not get their seasonal vaccine before.?

Provant Health Solutions is a full-service corporate health and wellness company operating out of East Greenwich. This company is dedicated to assisting employers achieve a healthy and productive workforce while effectively managing population health risk and associated healthcare costs.

Related links

Department or agency: Department of Health
Online: http://www.health.ri.gov
Release date: 01-08-2010

[Pathfinder]

Re: US - Seasonal Flu Vaccine Availability (all States)

Florida

Leon County Health Department holds Seasonal flu vaccination clinic

Posted:<SCRIPT language=JavaScript>var wn_last_ed_date = getLEDate("Jan 11, 2010 4:45 PM EST"); document.write(wn_last_ed_date);</SCRIPT> Jan 11, 2010 03:45 PM CST

Tallahassee? Wednesday, January 13, 2010, from 12:30 p.m. ? 4:00 p.m., the Leon County Health Department will hold a seasonal flu vaccination clinic at the Roberts and Stevens Clinic, at 1515 Old Bainbridge Road. No appointment is needed. The cost is $20 unless you belong to Capital Health Plan (CHP) or have Medicare Part B. If you are covered under either of these plans, your shot will be free if you bring a valid picture ID and either your CHP membership card or Medicare Part B card.

http://www.wtxl.tv/Global/story.asp?...&nav=menu594_2