Aloha … from BetheFlu shot clinics upcoming Nov. 5, 6
RANDOLPH, Oct. 28, 2008 – Gifford Medical Center will hold flu shot clinics for adults on Nov. 5 and 6 at its Bethel and Randolph health centers.
The Bethel Health Center on Route 107 will offer flu shots on Nov. 5 from 1-6 p.m. Gifford on Route 12 in Randolph will hold a flu shot clinic on Nov. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Appointments are recommended, and a $35 fee will be charged.
Community members with insurance and parents are encouraged to call their health care provider’s office for an appointment with the flu shot nurse for themselves or their children.
Flu shots are recommended for an extended list of Americans, including all children ages 6 months through age 18; other high-risk populations, like the elderly, the chronically ill and pregnant women; and those who work or live with these populations, particularly the elderly, sick and babies under age 6 months.
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
Providing annual influenza – commonly known as “flu” – vaccine is one of the state and nation’s most significant efforts in preventing disease outbreaks. And this year the vaccine is once again in ample supply.
Contracting the flu can mean serious illness, hospitalization and even death, particularly among the very old, very young and chronically ill. Nationally, more than 200,000 people on average each year are hospitalized because of the flu and 36,000 die.
“Last year was a bad year for the flu. This year’s vaccine is thought to be a better match for the virus strains that will be prevalent in our communities,” Gifford Medical Director Dr. Josh Plavin said. “Getting a vaccine is a simple step people can take to prevent illness, the spread of illness, missed days from work and misery. All children over age 6 months, older adults, the sick and anyone who works with these populations should get a flu shot.”
Gifford patients identified by their doctor as among these high-risk populations should have received a postcard by mail from the hospital, noting the availability of vaccine and requesting they make arrangements to receive a shot. Anyone who has not received a postcard and wants a shot is encouraged to call as well.
Call Gifford primary care at 728-2428, the Bethel Health Center at 234-9913, the Rochester Health Center at 767-3704, the Chelsea Health Center at 685-4400 or the Sharon Health Center at 763-8000.
For more information about the flu, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Web site, www.cdc.gov/flu, or call your health care provider.