American Lung Association's Free Online Flu Clinic Locator

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 10 Oct 2007 - 12:00 PDT

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Finding a neighborhood spot to get a flu vaccine is just a click away, thanks to the American Lung Association's fast and free "Flu Clinic Locator" now available at http://www.lungusa.org.

Influenza and its complications lead to hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations, and tens of thousands of American deaths every year, but an annual flu shot is the key to prevention. The American Lung Association's online flu clinic locator tool, now in its fifth year, makes it easy for the public to find flu shot clinics in their local area. Vaccination typically begins in October and can continue through March.

"People who receive the flu shot have greatly reduced their chances of contracting not only the flu, but infectious complications of the flu," said Norman H. Edelman, MD, the American Lung Association's consultant for medical affairs. "Vaccination with the flu shot has been associated with reductions in physician visits, hospitalizations and death among the elderly, young children and people with chronic conditions, including those with asthma. Receiving the flu shot can help your doctor determine the true cause of illness and prescribe the correct medical course."

The American Lung Association's flu clinic locator is the largest interactive web site of its kind, enabling individuals to find the most convenient location to obtain a flu shot from more than 20,000 locations across the country. Prices for the flu shot vary throughout the U.S. and can cost up to $20. Insurance companies usually cover the shot, and individuals can contact their local health departments for more information.

In 2006 the Flu Clinic Locator site promoted more than 43,000 clinics through the efforts of 150 different clinic administrators. The quick-and-easy tool has drawn more than 10 million page views during last year's flu season.

About the American Lung Association

Beginning our second century, the American Lung Association is the leading organization working to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. Lung disease death rates continue to increase while other leading causes of death have declined. The American Lung Association funds vital research on the causes of and treatments for lung disease. With the generous support of the public, the American Lung Association is "Improving life, one breath at a time."

http://www.lungusa.org.

Additional Resources

http://www.flucliniclocator.org
For Flu Clinic Administrators: All About the Flu Clinic Locator

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