For Immediate Release: 10/17/2011 8:12 am
Worcester, MA (October 17, 2011) - With Flu Season upon us, the Worcester Division of Public Health has launched its annual Community Immunity Campaign. This year’s influenza (flu) vaccination awareness campaign is a collaboration between the City and several community partners including: Saint Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial Medical Center, Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Family Health Center of Worcester, Reliant Medical Group, Fallon Community Health Plan, The Worcester Senior Center, Worcester Housing Authority, Mosaic Culture Complex, YMCA Men’s Health and Families Program, Worcester Barbershop Health Clinics, CVS, Rite Aid and Walgreens pharmacies. The collaborative was formed as an awareness effort to educate residents of Worcester on the importance of getting a flu shot.
"Every year in the United States as many as one in five people contract the influenza 'flu' virus," stated B. Dale Magee, M.D., Commissioner, Worcester Division of Public Health. "More than 200,000 are hospitalized from influenza complications and about 36,000 die from the virus. This is preventable."
Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma or diabetes.
Healthcare providers from hospitals and clinics within the City have joined the community wide effort in promoting vaccinations, especially for high risk populations including young children, the elderly, those with chronic health conditions and pregnant women.
Worcester residents are encouraged to contact their primary care physician, health centers or local pharmacy to obtain a flu vaccination as soon as possible.
Flu Clinics
The Worcester Senior Center will be hosting Flu Vaccination Clinics on the following Tuesday mornings, October 18th & 25th and November 1st from 10:00 AM to Noon. The clinic, hosted in conjunction with Walgreens and the Worcester Division of Public Health will be open to Worcester senior citizens only. Proof of insurance is required upon registration. The Division of Public Health and Walgreens will also be hosting additional vaccination clinics for Worcester Housing Authority residents.
A complete listing of clinic dates and times, including those for Worcester Public School students is available on the City of Worcester Website.
