Flu Season Is Here -- Vaccinations Are Still Plentiful

COLUMBIA, Md., Oct. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Flu vaccinations are available at more than 25,000 nationwide flu clinics hosted by Maxim Health Systems. The company's Web site, http://www.FindAFluShot.com, helps users find convenient flu clinics based on user zip codes.

"We are in the middle of flu vaccination season and it isn't too late to get vaccinated," said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems. "We are encouraging everyone who is at risk and those who would like to reduce the likelihood of contracting influenza to visit our Web site at http://www.FindaFluShot.com to find a local flu shot clinic," said Pellito.

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 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 flu 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 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths per year. The CDC has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent flu and strongly encourages high-risk individuals to get vaccinated. This includes:

    -- Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill or spreading
       influenza to others
    -- All persons over 50 years old
    -- Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
    -- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
    -- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma),
       cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological, or
       metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)
    -- Adults and children who have a weakened immune system (due to HIV/AIDS,
       long term treatment with drugs such as steroids, and/or cancer
       treatments)
    -- Adults and children who have certain muscle or nerve disorders (e.g.
       cognitive dysfunction, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, or
       other neuromuscular disorders) that can compromise respiratory function
       or the handling of respiratory secretions or that can increase the risk
       for aspiration
    -- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities
    -- Anyone who lives or cares for people at high risk for influenza related
       complications
    -- Healthcare providers
    -- Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of
       age and adults age 50 and older
    -- All children aged 6-59 months

"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. Terri Weaver, immediate past chair of the National Board of Directors of the American Lung Association and Professor at the University Of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

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 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. We provide a variety of services including immunizations, health screenings, and health fairs. In 2006, our flu immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 3.7 million people. 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.