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2004 Press Releases
Hospital Offers Flu
Vaccination to Oneida County Residents Who Meet CDC
Guidelines
Rome
Memorial Hospital will host flu vaccine clinics for Rome and surrounding community residents who meet the guidelines established
by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
announced Director of Infection Control LeAnna Grace.
The
flu vaccines will be offered 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Dec. 15, 17, 22, 27 and 29, in the
hospital’s Infection Control offices, which are located
off the hospital’s Bartlett Wing on the Black River
Boulevard side of the hospital. A $15 administration
fee will be charged, unless participants are covered by
Medicare Part B which will also cover the vaccination.
The hospital will offer the
flu vaccine to adults 18 and older who are considered
high-priority, at-risk groups. These include
adults who are 65 and older and adults with underlying
chronic medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes,
HIV/AIDS and cardio-pulmonary disease; women who are
pregnant during the influenza season; healthcare
workers involved in direct patient care; and out-of-home
caregivers and household contacts of children less than
6 months old.
The Oneida County Department
of Health (DOH) provided Rome Memorial Hospital with the
additional flu vaccine. “In response to the vaccine
shortage, the Health Department has been very
instrumental in helping to ensure that those who are
most in need of a flu shot are able to get it,” Grace
said.
“We are very fortunate
that these additional vaccines are available to provide
to our community,” said Grace. There
has been a national flu vaccine shortage because one of
the two suppliers of the vaccine lost their
manufacturer’s license, leaving a rationed supply across
the United States.
“Because of the shortage
of the flu vaccine, we still need to prioritize who
receives the flu and focus on the high-priority, high
risk group,” she said.
People who receive
the vaccine must sign a statement attesting to the fact
that they meet the CDC guidelines.
She also said that it is
important for everyone to still practice preventative
measures. “Wash your hands frequently. Cover your mouth
when you cough or sneeze. Avoid touching your eyes,
nose and mouth and most importantly stay home when
you’re sick.” |
