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First Phase of Flu Clinics From Maxim Health Systems to Serve High-Risk Individuals

Posted on: Wednesday, 14 September 2005, 12:00 CDT

Maxim Health Systems will launch its annual influenza vaccination program starting on October 1, 2005, following updated guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to first vaccinate high-risk individuals. The company will only provide flu shots to those classified as high risk by the CDC through October 24 and will then make the vaccine widely available in phase two of the vaccination program.

Maxim will provide flu shots nationwide through 24,000 clinics this year. Its website, www.FindAFluShot.com, helps users locate a convenient location for vaccination clinics by simply typing in their local zip code.

"We know that the flu vaccine is our best defense against influenza with the ability to significantly lower infections and deaths attributed to the flu each year," said Steve Wright, National Director Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems. "Working closely with the CDC and building on what we've learned over the past few years, we are giving priority to high-risk individuals in our first tier of vaccinations and then opening it up to everyone. We strongly encourage those at high risk to take advantage of the early vaccinations available up through October 24."

Maxim conducts its flu 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 www.FindAFluShot.com. This will provide the address, date and times for flu shots at local clinics. The Website also provides the latest news on influenza and links to other resources to learn more about the flu and its prevention. For those who prefer to find a convenient location over the phone, Maxim provides a toll free number at 877-962-9358.

As part of its commitment to deliver influenza immunization to high-risk individuals, Maxim is conducting on-site flu clinics at thousands of senior living facilities and nursing homes and is working closely with a number of local, regional and state health departments. The company also offers flu shots to corporations that want to offer employee vaccinations.

"We believe that the flu shot should be highly available with a priority given to high-risk individuals. Following CDC guidelines, we are giving a head start to those at high risk to get vaccinated first through our convenient clinics nationwide. We continue to work closely with the CDC and monitor vaccine supply with the goal of supplying a vaccination to everyone who requests a shot in the second tier of the program, beginning October 24," said Wright.

Each year as many as 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in 114,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths. High-risk individuals are especially encouraged to get vaccinated early. The CDC defines those with an increased risk of developing influenza-related complications as:

-- Persons 65 years of age or older

-- Residents of long-term care facilities

-- Persons 2 to 64 years of age with comorbid (more than one disease) conditions

-- Children six to 23 months of age

-- Pregnant women

-- Healthcare personnel who provide direct patient care

-- Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children under 6 months of age

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 provided on the Maxim website), 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.

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 2004, our flu immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 1.8 million people. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation. For more information contact us at www.FindAFluShot.com

Source: Business Wire

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