October 14, 2005

Flu Educational Message from Jameson Health System

New Castle, PA – Jameson Health System, in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) guidelines is recommending people at highest risk of serious illness or death from influenza get a flu shot early, if possible before October 24, 2005. 

High risk groups include:

·        Children aged 6-23 months

·        Persons over 65 years of age

·        Persons 2-64 years of age who have:

o     Heart disease, kidney disease, lung diseases such as asthma; metabolic diseases such as diabetes; blood disorders like anemia; a weakened immune system caused by cancer, HIV/AIDS, or steroid therapy; certain conditions such as neuromuscular disorders that can cause breathing problems.

·        Persons who are pregnant

• Direct health care providers
• Those that live with or care for one or more children less than 6 months of age
• Live in a nursing home or long term care facility

Those individuals aged 2-64 and in good health are asked to wait until October 24, 2005 or later to get their flu shot.  Persons between the ages of 5 and 49 and in good health can receive the nasal-spray vaccine (FluMist) now.

  Jameson has not received their vaccine supply to date.  Jameson is encouraging those in the high risk groups to seek access to the flu vaccine at their doctor’s office and/or surrounding clinics.  Clinic dates and times can be found at www.findaflushot.com or by checking local papers.

As a community focused organization, Jameson is committed to educating and serving as an active advocate of public health in the community.