Flu Season Is Here – Launch of Annual Flu Shot Program
COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 1 /PRNewswire/ — Maxim Health Systems announced today the launch of its annual influenza vaccination program. Maxim flu shots are available at more than 37,000 clinics nationwide. The program aims to increase the number of people who receive vaccinations, since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that it is the single most effective way to prevent the virus. Maxim’s Web site, http://www.findaflushot.com/, helps users quickly find convenient flu clinics based on zip codes.
“Influenza is the strongest of winter viruses; it’s likely each one of us knows someone whose well-being, good health, or life depends on getting an influenza immunization each and every year,” said Dr. Bonnie Offit, Pediatrician in Haverford, Pennsylvania. “Flu shots are our best defense against influenza with our ability to significantly lower infections and deaths attributed to the illness each year.”
Maxim will provide flu shot clinics at convenient retail locations, such as 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. For those who prefer to find a convenient location over the phone, Maxim provides a toll free number at 877-962-9358.
Each year as many as 60 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths per year.(i) The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent flu and strongly encourages high-risk individuals to get vaccinated.
The CDC strongly encourages high-risk individuals to get vaccinated. This includes:
— Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting the virus — People at high risk of having serious complications from influenza, including: – All children from six months through 19 years of age – Pregnant women – People 50 years of age and older – People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions – People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities — People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from influenza
“Many Americans are not aware of the true dangers of influenza,” said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems, “and our best defense against the illness is flu shots. We are encouraging everyone who is at risk to get vaccinated for their own health, as well as the health of their loved ones. To find a local flu shot clinic visit our Web site at http://www.findaflushot.com/.”
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 medical 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, in addition to schools, senior living facilities, and Physician offices. We provide a variety of services, including immunizations, health screenings, and health fairs. In 2007, our flu immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 2.9 million people at more than 47,000 clinics. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information contact us at http://www.findaflushot.com/contact.php.
i Treanor JJ. Influenza virus. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett’s Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2005: 2060-2085.
Maxim Health Systems
CONTACT: Steve Pellito, National Director, Maxim Health Systems,+1-410-910-1164, Steve.pellito@maximwellness.com
Web site: http://www.findaflushot.com/http://www.findaflushot.com/contact.php