November 2007

Flu Vaccination
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It’s November and as the days get shorter and the temperatures begin to drop, it’s also time for the flu bugs to make their appearance. In recent years, 65% of Vermonters age 65 and older have typically received flu vaccinations, but only 30% of younger adults do so. In this country, lost productivity due to preventable illnesses amounts to $11 billion per year.

If you’re over 50, don’t hesitate to get a flu shot, especially if you have a serious health condition. Also, consider getting a shot if you are:

• Pregnant or nursing
• A parent of young children
• A health care worker
• Over 50

There are many things you can do to help stay healthy this winter:

• Get a full night's sleep
• Wash your hands frequently
• Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home from work if your are sick
• Manage your stress level
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Get your vitamins
• Get a flu shot

This year, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has announced that the last week of November is National Influenza Vaccination Week. The flu shot is plentiful this year and most important of all, it’s not the shot you get that hurts, it’s the flu you might get if you don’t.

Community Resources

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1600 Clifton Rd Atlanta, GA 30333. Switchboard: 404-639-3311 Public Inquiries: 404-639-3534 / 800-311-3435 The CDC is one of the major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services. CDC's Mission is "to promote health and quality of life by preventing and controlling disease, injury, and disability." Click here to learn more about the influenza virus. You'll also find ways of preventing this seasonal flu by visiting the Good Health Habits for Prevention section of the CDC's website.

Maxim Health Systems Maxim Health Systems, a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, is one of America 's foremost providers of flu shots and wellness services. Click here to find a flu clinic at a retail or corporate location in your area.

Vermont Department of Health 108 Cherry Street Burlington, VT 05402 802-863-7200, In Vermont 800-464-4343, TTY/TDD: Dial 711 first The Department of Health is proud to continue a long tradition of public health service in Vermont, and is the state's lead agency for public health policy and advocacy. For information on who should get a flu shot, how to prevent spreading the flu, what to do if you get the flu, etc. visit the Seasonal Influenza (The Flu) section of the Department of Health's website. There you will also find a link to Flu Vaccine Facts & Myths. Click here to find a public clinic operated by your local Home Health Agency or Visiting Nurse Association. If you have additional questions email flu questions to flu@vdh.state.vt.us.

Visiting Nurse Association 1110 Prim Road Colchester, VT 05446 802-658-1900 The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) of Chittenden and Grand Isle Counties is a 101-year-old nonprofit home health agency. They care for 5000 people and families each year. Our programs span a lifetime -- from prenatal care to care for young families to rehabilitation, long-term care, adult day services and end-of-life care. The VNA provides care one person, one family at a time. The VNA offers flu clinics around the area, click here to find a clinic in the Chittenden & Grand Isle county area. The VNA also offers Corporate Flu Program and In-Home Flu shots, for more information, please contact; Pat Wright, RN through email or call (802) 860-4496 or (802) 865-5091.

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