With the recent surge in influenza cases in the mid-state, the Visiting Nurse Association of Central PA is offering a special community flu clinic on Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 2 pm – 8 pm at the VNA Office, located on Derry Street in Harrisburg.
The flu shot will be available for individuals 18 years of age or older and non-pregnant women. The cost will be $27 per person, which is typically $2-4 less than many regional retail sources. The VNA also accepts the following insurances:
American Progress (Today’s Options) Geisinger Gold
Advantra Freedom Geisinger Health Plan
(not Health Assurance or Health America) Highmark Freedom Blue PPO
Aetna Medicare Advantage Humana Gold
Federal Employee Program Medicare Part B (if primary)
First Priority Secure Horizons
First Priority 65 Keystone Senior Blue
Gateway Assured Unison Advantage
Incidence of flu in Pennsylvania and across the nation is high this year. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) tracks influenza activity year-round and publishes a report weekly on Fridays. According to this surveillance, the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like-illness (ILI) in the United States has been elevated for four consecutive weeks, climbing sharply from 2.8% to 5.6% during that time. Last season, which was relatively mild, ILI peaked at 2.2 percent. Comparatively, during 1998-1999 and 2003-2004, which were moderately severe seasons, ILI peaked at 7.6%.
Twenty-nine states, including Pennsylvania and New York City are now reporting high levels of influenza-like-illness and another 9 states are reporting moderate levels of ILI. Flu-related hospitalizations are also high for this time of year.
It is not too late to receive a flu vaccine. Vaccination offers the best protection against influenza, and individuals who have not received a vaccination yet this year are encouraged to do so.
“The flu can be a very serious disease leading to hospitalization and sometimes even death,” says Liane Hrivnak, Immunization Program Coordinator. “The CDC recommends a flu vaccine for everyone six months of age and older as the first and most important step to protect against the flu.
“The flu vaccination is an important annual precaution that protects you, your loved ones and your community’s most vulnerable individuals–the infants, pregnant women, elderly, cancer patients, and people with certain chronic health conditions who you come in contact with as you go about your daily routine.”
The VNA offers flu vaccinations beginning in September each year as part of its mission to provide quality, cost effective home health care and related services in its coverage areas.
VNA COMMUNITY FLU CLINIC
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
WHERE: 3315 Derry Street, Harrisburg, PA
TIME: 2 p.m.-8 p.m.
COST: flu vaccine–$27
To schedule an immunization appointment, call 717-233-1035, extension 127. Please bring all medical insurance cards with you to the appointment. The VNA also accepts cash or checks. Receipts will be provided for reimbursement purposes.