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RANDOLPH, Oct. 4, 2007 – Gifford Medical Center will hold flu shot clinics beginning Oct. 29 at its primary care offices located throughout central Vermont.
Providing influenza – commonly known as “flu” – vaccine is one of the state and nation’s most significant efforts in preventing disease outbreaks.
“Over the last few years, we have been able to provide influenza vaccine to an increasing number of our community members. The results have been excellent. We have minimal cases of influenza and minimal complications in our community,” Dr. Louis DiNicola, Gifford medical director and pediatrician, said. “I am looking forward to another successful year.”
The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.
This year, the Vermont Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending flu vaccine for anyone over age 50, nursing home residents, pregnant women, children and adults with chronic disorders (such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, HIV or cancer), health care workers and all children ages 6 months to 5 years. It is also recommended that flu vaccine be offered to all school age children and people who live with or care for anyone in these high-risk populations.
Particularly among the very old, very young and chronically ill, contracting the flu can mean serious illness, hospitalization and even death. Nationally, more than 200,000 people on average each year are hospitalized because of the flu and 36,000 die.
Gifford patients identified by their doctor as among these high-risk populations should have or will soon receive a postcard from the hospital, noting the availability of vaccine and requesting they make arrangements to receive a shot.
Unlike past years, this year there is ample vaccine to protect all area residents in need.
Gifford will hold flu shot clinics for adults age 18 and older at the Randolph hospital on Oct. 29 from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Bethel Health Center on Oct. 31 from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at both the Rochester Health Center and the Chelsea Health Center on Nov. 1 from 8 a.m. to noon, and at the Sharon Health Center on Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m. to noon.
There is a $20 cost to receive a shot at one of the clinics. An appointment is required.
Children ages 6 months to 18 years should receive their shot through an appointment with a nurse at their health care provider’s office, and adults wanting the shot billed to their insurance should also make an appointment with their doctor’s office.
To find out more about Gifford’s flu shot clinics, 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.