School of Nursing Flu Clinics Continue through November

November 10, 2008

The University of Rochester School of Nursing flu vaccine program continues through the month of November, with clinics planned in Rochester and its surrounding communities.

Staff at Health Checkpoint, a program of the School’s Center for Nursing Entrepreneurship, anticipates ample supplies of flu vaccine to cover more than 20 public clinics scheduled in November.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that only a fraction of Americans who should get a flu vaccine are actually being immunized. While health officials are unable to forecast the severity of the upcoming flu season, all eligible residents are encouraged to get flu shots. This is especially true for people age 50 and over, children 6 months to 59 months of age and those with a greater risk of complications from the flu, including pregnant women and people with certain medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.

Medicare and most Excellus and Preferred Care plans 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. Health Checkpoint clinics are open to people age nine and older. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

A list of all public clinics, along with detailed information on the flu, can be obtained at http://www.rochesterflu.org/ or by calling (585) 275-0636.

NOVEMBER PUBLIC FLU CLINICS

DATE	TIME	LOCATION	ADDRESS
Wed., Nov. 12	11am-2pm	Tina Reeves OD Office	36 West Main St., Rochester
Wed., Nov. 12	7am-noon	Eastside YMCA	1835 Fairport 9 Mile Pt Rd., Perinton
Wed., Nov. 12	9am-1pm	Irondequoit Senior Center	154 Pinegrove Ave.
Sat., Nov. 15	9am-1pm	Laurelton Fire Department	405 Empire Blvd., Irondequoit
Sat., Nov. 15	9am-1pm	Pittsford Fire Hall	8 Monroe Ave, Station #1
Mon., Nov. 17	9am-1pm	Greece Town Hall	1 Vince Tofany Blvd.
Tues., Nov. 18	10am-2pm	Canandaigua YMCA	25 N. Main St.
Wed., Nov. 19	9am-1pm	Dome Center (Wilken Court)	2695 East Henrietta Rd.
Wed., Nov. 19	9am-1pm	Penfield Recreation Center	1985 Baird Rd.
Thurs., Nov. 20	10am-2pm	Brighton Recreation Center	220 Idlewood Rd.
Fri., Nov. 21	9am-1pm	Perinton Community Center	1350 Turk Hill Rd.
Sat., Nov. 22	9am-1pm	Gates Fire District	2215 Long Pond Rd., Station #2
Sat., Nov. 22	9am-1pm	Victor Fire Hall	34 Maple St. (Rte.444)

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. Each year, approximately 36,000 people die from flu or its complications and more than 200,000 hospitalizations occur. A new flu shot is developed each year based upon the strains of flu expected to be circulating. 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.