Need A Flu Shot Reminder?

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines;  Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses;  Public Health
Article Date: 22 Aug 2007 - 0:00 PDT

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With summer vacation coming to an end, flu season is just around the corner. Hectic back-to-school and work schedules are sure to cause some to forget that they need to schedule a flu shot. Whether you are scheduling the flu vaccination for an elderly parent, child or yourself, you can sign up to receive an e mail to remind you to get your flu shot. Simply log on to http://www.FindaFluShot.com to schedule a reminder to insure you are alerted to find a convenient location to obtain your immunization this coming flu season.

Reminders will be sent in mid-September. The site will then provide information for flu clinics at convenient retail locations provided by Maxim at pharmacies, supermarkets and other public venues. Finding the nearest location is as simple as typing in your zip code on http://www.FindaFluShot.com. This will provide the address, date and times for flu shots at local clinics. The Web site also provides the latest news on influenza and links to other resources to learn more about the flu and its prevention.

The Centers for Disease Control has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent flu and strongly encourages high-risk individuals to get vaccinated. This includes individuals who are:

-- Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill or spreading influenza to others

-- All persons over 50 years old

-- Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy -- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

-- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)

-- Adults and children who have a weakened immune system (due to: HIV/AIDS, long term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatments)

-- Adults and children who have certain muscle or nerve disorders (e.g., cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration; and

-- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

-- Anyone who lives or cares for people at high risk for influenza related complications

-- Health care providers

-- Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age and adults age 50 and older.

-- All children aged 6-59 months

Maxim provides flu shots to children aged 9 and older unless restricted by a state regulation or law. By calling the clinic site ahead of time (information also provided on the Maxim Web site), parents can verify that their children can receive the vaccine. For children under 9 years of age, parents should contact their pediatrician. Maxim accepts Medicare Part B with no co-pay required, when Medicare Part B is the primary insurance.

About Maxim Health Systems

Maxim Health Systems is a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Established in 1996, Maxim Health Systems offers a full line of comprehensive wellness services to corporate and retail clients. We provide a variety of services including immunizations, health screenings and health fairs. In 2006, our flu immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 3.7 million people.

Maxim Health Systems
http://www.FindaFluShot.com