Aurora Visiting Nurse Association to suspend its seasonal flu vaccination clinics

Delays in shipments from vaccine manufacturers will force the Aurora Visiting Nurse Association of Wisconsin to suspend its seasonal flu vaccination clinics throughout eastern Wisconsin.

The Shoo the Flu & Pneumonia Too! clinics will be suspended after Monday, Oct. 19. The clinics will resume as soon as additional vaccine arrives.

"We are confident that in time we will receive all of the vaccine we have ordered," said Lisa Taylor, R.N., coordinator of the VNA's Shoo the Flu clinics. "The seasonal flu usually does not peak until January or February, so people still have plenty of time to get a seasonal flu shot."

Shipments of seasonal flu vaccine were disrupted as vaccine suppliers switched production to the H1N1 vaccine. This has created shortages of seasonal flu vaccine throughout the country.

The Shoo the Flu clinics have been providing vaccine for protection against the seasonal flu. Vaccine for protection against the H1N1 flu has just begun arriving in Wisconsin. The early shipments of H1N1 vaccine are designated for health care workers and emergency services personnel. The vaccine will be available to others soon.

Information about influenza and vaccinations are available on the Aurora Web site, at www.Aurora.org/flu.

The Aurora Visiting Nurse Association recommends following common-sense rules of hygiene and health care to avoid getting the flu:

• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Discard the tissue immediately.
• Wash your hands or use hand sanitizer often, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid contact with sick people.
• Get plenty of sleep.
• Eat a well-balanced diet.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Participate in physical activity and avoid stress as much as possible.