2009 H1N1 & Seasonal Influenza Seminar
+ Evening Flu Shot Clinic!!
Seasonal Flu Shots are Here!!
FLU SHOT HOURS
M/T/W/F 9-1 2-6 Th 2-6
No appointment necessary.
OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
ENTER THROUGH THE PEDIATRIC DOOR
Two Vaccines??
We anticipate providing both the regular flu (seasonal influenza) and the H1N1 flu vaccines this year. The regular flu vaccine is here and ready to go. It will be billed to your insurance if you are a VFP patient and is $25 for the public. You can drop in to get the vaccines.
The H1N1 vaccine is expected to arrive in mid-October. Cost is not yet determined but likely to be around $15 for the public.
H1N1 INFLUENZA is different from the regular flu. It is affecting a very different group of people than the regular flu!! Studies suggest that vaccination with seasonal influenza vaccine will NOT provide protection against the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, therefore most people will need two separate & different vaccines this year.
Confused? Not sure if you should get the flu shots? Who is at highest risk for complications?
H1N1 virus would likely infect 30 to 50 percent of the U.S. population this fall and winter, with symptoms occurring in approximately 20 to 40 percent, or 60 to 120 million people with as many as 1.8 million hospital admissions, and cause between 30,000 and 90,000 deaths in the United States, primarily among children and young adults. So far in California 1,528 people have had confirmed H1N1 and 128 people have died.
In anticipation of your many questions, I will be hosting a free seminar at our office on this topic Thursday, October 1st from 6 pm to 7 pm. I will discuss the latest information about these vaccines including how flu vaccines work, why we need two vaccines this year, and who is at highest risk for complications this year. I will explain why some people believe the flu shot gave them the flu and why it is important to get vaccinated even if you never get the flu. I will also talk about how to take care of your family if someone gets flu-like symptoms at home, when to return to school or work, and who should get anti-flu medications. Childcare will be provided. Please register for this event and feel free to bring a friend or colleague.
This seminar will be followed by an Evening Flu Shot Clinic from 7 pm to 8 pm for those who desire the seasonal flu shot. (Registration appreciated.)
Please consider joining us for this special event as I simply won’t have enough time to discuss these topics with each individual family at office visits or over the phone. If you cannot make it, let me know that you would be interested at another time and we will consider another event.
Website Flu Page
Finally, if you do get sick with a fever and a cough, get some helpful information on our website flu page.
And, of course, here’s my Luca (21 months).
At Vails Family Practice, our whole purpose is to take care of you – to provide comprehensive, personal health care to you and your families. I am grateful to continue to care for you and your families.
Remember we grew from just one patient and your referrals will allow us to thrive during tough economic times. Please consider forwarding this email to a friend or family member.
Sincerely,
Julie Vails, MD
Vails Family Practice
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