September 27, 2007
With a solid vaccine supply in hand, Health Checkpoint at the University of Rochester Medical Center’s School of Nursing’s Center for Nursing Entrepreneurship is set to launch its public and corporate flu clinic schedule for 2007 at the annual Senator Alesi Health Fair Oct. 4 at the Dome Center in Henrietta. In all, the non profit flu clinic provider plans to hold more than 30 public and 150 corporate flu clinics over the next few months, so long as vaccine supply holds steady.
New 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. Though last year’s flu season was mild, health officials are unable to forecast the severity of the upcoming flu season, and therefore encourage all eligible residents to obtain a flu shot. This is especially true for people 50 and over, children six to 59 months of age, and those with a greater risk of complications from the flu including pregnant women, and people of any age with certain medical conditions such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes.
Medicare, and most 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. Health Checkpoint clinics are for people nine years 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) 273-5271.