FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(October 9, 2006 - Youngstown, Ohio) Ready or not, flu season is on the horizon. Though many consider it somewhat minor, influenza is more serious than most people think. About 5 to 20% of Americans get the flu each year, in turn, causing 36,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations due to complications.

The flu season usually begins in November, generally peaking in the winter months of December through February and sometimes into March. Because it takes about 2 weeks after the immunization to build antibodies, the best time to get the vaccine is in October or November.

Contrary to popular belief, a person does not get the flu from having an immunization which is an inactivated vaccine with a killed virus. The immunization protects against the influenza virus, not illnesses with flu-like symptoms caused by non-influenza viruses.

This year no shortage of vaccine exists so any adult who wants to reduce their chances of getting the flu should have one. Those who should be vaccinated each year are those at high risk for complications such as children 6 to 59 months of age, pregnant women, people age 50 years and older, those with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, asthma and diabetes; people in nursing homes, as well as health care workers, caregivers and others who have contact with those at high risk.

With flu season fast approaching, Forum Health has scheduled several flu vaccine clinics for the general public. People are encouraged to get a flu vaccine to reduce their chances of getting ill. Protective effects begin one to two weeks after inoculation.

The vaccines will be available for adults, ages 18 years and older. The cost is $20, and free to those with Traditional Medicare upon presenting their card.

Tuesday, October 17
10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
St. Charles Church Hall
7345 Westview Drive, Boardman
(sponsored by Forum Health at Home)

Saturday, October 21, 2006
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Austintown Fitch High School
4560 Falcon Drive, Austintown
(sponsored by Austintown Immediate Care)

Tuesday, October 24, 2006
9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Hillside Rehabilitation Hospital
8747 Squires Lane, NE, Warren
(sponsored by Forum Health At Home)

Saturday, October 28
8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Elm Road Immediate Care
Elm Road Medical Park
2662 Elm Road, Cortland
(sponsored by Elm Road Immediate Care)

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