Maxim Health to launch its annual influenza vaccination program on October 1

It is the start of the flu season and with seasonal influenza responsible for more than 36,000 deaths per year, getting a flu vaccine is critical. Today, Maxim Health Systems announced on October 1 it will launch its annual influenza vaccination program and will provide flu shots nationwide through more than 44,000 clinics. The company's Web site, www.findaflushot.com, offers an online clinic locator tool to help users find convenient flu clinics by simply typing in a local zip code.

"This fall, all of us are experiencing concerns over the threat of the new H1N1 ("Swine Flu"). However, we need to prepare ourselves for the seasonal flu, which every year proves to be a very serious threat. The best way that we can protect ourselves and our children is to get an annual influenza vaccine. While we wait for safety and efficacy studies on the new H1N1 vaccine, we should all be getting our flu vaccines as early as possible this fall. Please don't wait -- get vaccinated when clinics open," says Bonnie Offit, MD, FAAP, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia.

Many Americans are not aware of the true dangers of the flu. On average, every year, influenza:

• Kills almost as many Americans as breast cancer.(1)
• Kills two to three times more Americans than HIV/AIDS.(2)
• Kills the equivalent of a major-league stadium full of people.(3)
• Affects 65 million Americans as they fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths per year.(4)

"Everyone should consider flu prevention," notes Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness for Maxim Health Systems. "Maxim has created an online clinic locator with a feature to remind friends and family to get their flu shots. By typing in a name and e-mail address on www.findaflushot.com, anyone can sign up to receive a flu shot reminder, e-mail alerts on local clinics, and flu updates.

The Web site also provides the latest news on seasonal flu and H1N1 ("Swine Flu"), as well as links to other resources to learn more about the flu and its prevention. Those who prefer to find a flu clinic location over the phone can call Maxim's toll free number at 877-962-9358. A mobile phone locator is also available, m.findaflushot.com, for faster access to local flu clinics from mobile devices.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent flu and strongly encourage high-risk individuals to get vaccinated. This includes:

• Anyone who wants to reduce the risk of contracting the flu
• People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu
• People at high risk of having serious complications from influenza, including:
  • All children from six months through 18 years of age
  • Pregnant women
  • People 50 years of age and older
  • People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
  • People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

Maxim provides flu shots to children aged 9 years and older, unless restricted by a state regulation or law. By calling the clinic site ahead of time (information also provided on www.findaflushot.com), parents can verify that their children are eligible to receive the vaccine. For children under nine years of age, parents should contact their pediatrician. Maxim accepts Medicare Part B with no co-pay required, when Medicare Part B is the primary insurance.