Aloha … from BethCObstetrics providers offer free H1N1 talk for pregnant, breastfeeding women
After 25 years caring for area residents,
Dr. William Minsinger retires from Gifford
RANDOLPH, Sept. 22, 2009 – Gifford Medical Center will offer a free community discussion on H1N1 for pregnant and breastfeeding women on Oct. 5 from 5:30-6:30 p.m. in the Randolph hospital’s conference center.
The talk will be led by Gifford obstetrician/gynecologist Dr. Ellamarie Russo-DeMara, chairwoman of Gifford Ob/Gyn and Midwifery, and certified nurse midwife Tanya Waters with pediatricians and infection control specialists from the medical center also expected to be on hand.
H1N1’s effect on some pregnant women has made headlines since it was first detected in the United States in April. With Vermont’s seasonal flu season also upcoming and an H1N1 vaccine expected to be available next month, the purpose of the talk is to educate women – and anyone who would like to attend – on the H1N1 virus.
“The main reason to speak to pregnant and breastfeeding women is to give them an update on why it’s important to vaccinate,” Dr. Russo-DeMara said, “and to be able to answer questions and concerns.”
Among those, says Dr. Russo-DeMara, will surely be whether breastfeeding is OK if a mother has the flu and theeffect of vaccination and flu medications on mother and baby.
For the answers to those questions, and much more, attend the Oct. 5 event. The event will include a presentation and question and answer period. Handouts the medical center has created with information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention will also be available.
Anyone wanting more information on the H1N1 flu can also log onto www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or go to Gifford flu link. To make an appointment for one-on-one counseling or care, or for more information on the Oct. 5 talk, call Gifford Ob/Gyn and Midwifery at (802) 728-2401.
The hospital has set up a flu line, (802) 728-2600, with more generic information on the seasonal flu and H1N1, including vaccine availability and recommended precautions everyone should take to reduce the spread of the viruses.