Flu Clinics Dwindle as Bug Begins to Bite

November 29, 2007

With confirmed reports that influenza is starting to filter throughout the Rochester community, residents still have time to get a flu shot.  The University of Rochester’s School of Nursing’s Center for Nursing Entrepreneurship (formerly Community Nursing Center) is the only organization still holding public flu clinics, with one dozen scheduled over the next 10 days. These will be some of the last public clinics held by the Center for Nursing Entrepreneurship this flu season. 

As it only takes between seven to 10 days after a flu shot is given to become effective, there still is time for the flu shot to be the best defense against acquiring the flu this season.

“We need to remind people that the flu is a very serious illness that kills 36,000 people each year, and hospitalizes more than 200, 000 as a result of complications,” said Bill Russell, R.N., director of immunization services at Health Checkpoint. “The Centers for Disease Control consistently reports that the flu shot is the best way to avoid getting the flu and giving it to others.”

Medicare and Excellus and Preferred Care managed care products cover the cost of receiving a flu shot; insurance ID cards are necessary for proof of insurance. Otherwise, there is a $30 fee for the vaccine. CNC clinics are for people nine years and older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.  A list of clinics, along with detailed information on the flu, can be obtained at http://www.rochesterflu.org/, or by calling 275-0636.

Greece

Tues. Nov. 27	9 a.m. - 1 p.m.	Greece Town Hall	1 Vince Tofany Blvd, Greece, New York 14612
Thurs. Nov. 29	2 - 6 p.m.	Greece Town Hall	1 Vince Tofany Blvd, Greece, New York 14612

Henrietta

Mon. Nov. 26	2 - 4 p.m.	Dome Center	Welcome Court (new building between the two old buildings)
Sat. Dec. 1	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Dome Center	Welcome Court (new building between the two old buildings)

Irondequoit

Thurs. Nov. 29	9 a.m. -1 p.m.	Medley Centre	Irondequoit, Express Store-Flag Entrance
Sat. Dec. 1	3 – 7 p.m.	Medley Centre	Irondequoit, Express Store-Flag Entrance

Perinton

Fri. Nov. 30	9 a.m. -1 p.m.	Perinton Community Center	1350 Turk Hill Rd
Fri. Dec. 7	9 a.m. -1 p.m.	Perinton Community Center	1350 Turk Hill Rd

Pittsford

Sun. Dec. 2

9 a.m. – Noon

Pittsford Fire Hall

8 Monroe Ave., Station #1

Rochester (city)

Sat. Dec. 1	8 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Public Market Administration Building	280 Union Street N Rochester, 14609
Sun. Dec. 2	8 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Public Market Administration Building	280 Union Street NRochester, 14609
Thurs. Dec. 6	4 - 6:30 p.m.	Herrema’s Food Market	125 Pattonwood Dr.
Sun. Dec. 9	10 a.m. – 2 p.m.	Herrema’s Food Market	125 Pattonwood Dr.

Webster

Friday Nov. 30

3 – 7 p.m.

Hegedorn's

964 Ridge Rd., Webster

Background on Influenza

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness that is easily spread from person to person. Symptoms include: fever, sore throat, muscle ache, chills and headache. Peak influenza activity usually occurs from late December through March. Approximately 36,000 people die from flu or its complications each year in the United States. A new flu shot is developed each year based upon the strains of flu expected to be circulating. Unlike many vaccinations, flu shots must be administered each year. In addition to getting a flu shot, health officials stress other preventive measures such as thorough and frequent hand washing and staying home if ill with respiratory symptoms, to prevent exposing others.