HomeHealth Visiting Nurses Announces Flu Shot Clinics

Saco- HomeHealth Visiting Nurses will begin holding its annual flu shot clinics on Tuesday, September 30. The agency offers flu shot clinics at community locations throughout Cumberland and York Counties.

Influenza, or “flu,” is a contagious disease caused by the influenza virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu each year. In addition, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and an average of 36,000 Americans die from influenza or its complications. For most people, influenza vaccine prevents serious influenza-related illness.

Influenza vaccine is recommended for people who are at risk of complications from influenza including pregnant women, children, senior citizens, people with chronic health problems and residents of long-term care facilities. New for 2008 is the CDC recommendation that ALL children aged 6 months-18 years be vaccinated. Influenza vaccine is also recommended for caregivers or others in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza including childcare providers, medical professionals and family members.

HomeHealth Visiting Nurses has scheduled flu clinics throughout York and Cumberland Counties during the months of October and November. The Pneumovax pneumonia vaccine will be available at all adult clinics while supplies last. Flu Mist will also be offered as a vaccine alternative to children aged 2-18.

As flu season approaches, please be sure to visit our website www.homehealth.org or call the flu shot hotline at 1-800-747-4FLU (4358) for the most recent clinic information and locations. We accept Medicare Part B and Anthem/Blue Cross as payment for flu shots. You must bring your insurance card with you. For those paying privately, our flu shot fee is $30, Flu Mist is $45 and Pneumovax is $50. All clinics are open to people age 9 and older, with designated clinics open to all children ages 6 months and over. Parental consent is required to vaccinate children under 18.

October 20-31, 2008 Flu Shot Clinic Schedule

Monday, 10/20 9:30am – 11:30am Casco Senior Meal Site

**Tuesday, 10/21 12:30pm – 3:30pm Scarborough Public Library

**Tuesday, 10/21 8:00am -12:00 pm Sanford Goodall Hospital

**Wednesday, 10/22 1:30pm – 6:00pm Saco HomeHealth Office

**Wednesday, 10/22 1:00pm- 4:00pm Sanford Trafton Senior Center

Friday, 10/24 9:00am -11:00am Hollis Town Hall

Friday, 10/24 1:00pm – 3:00pm Buxton Town Hall

Monday, 10/27 1:00pm – 3:00pm Falmouth Congregational Church

Monday, 10/27 3:30pm – 5:30pm Shapleigh Memorial School

Tuesday, 10/28 9:00am- 11:00am Cape Elizabeth St. Bartholomew’s Church

Tuesday, 10/28 1:00pm – 3:00pm Portland Salvation Army

Tuesday, 10/28 2:00pm – 5:30pm Naples Lake Region High School

Wednesday 10/29 10:00am – 12:00pm Gorham Saint Anne’s Church

**Wednesday 10/29 1:30pm – 6:00pm Saco HomeHealth Office

Wednesday 10/29 2:00pm- 4:00pm Yarmouth Amvets

Thursday, 10/30 9:00am- 11:30am Scarborough SMAAA Office

Thursday, 10/30 9:00am – 11:00am Naples Methodist Church

**Open to children over 6 months and adults of all ages

The Saco HomeHealth office is located at 15 Industrial Park Road

HomeHealth Visiting Nurses is a not-for-profit home health care agency providing skilled nursing, rehabilitation, home health aides, medical social work, parent and child health care, community health clinics, Telehealth, Lifeline and other services in Cumberland and York counties.