Flu Shot Clinics Are Scheduled
At Gifford Primary Care Sites

Gifford Medical Center will hold flu shot clinics beginning Oct. 29 at its primary care offices located throughout central Vermont.

Gifford will hold flu shot clinics for adults age 18 and older at its Randolph hospital location Monday, Oct. 29 from 7 a.m.-6 p.m. There will also be clinics at the Bethel Health Center Wednesday, Oct. 31 from 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m., and at both the Rochester Health Center and the Chelsea Health Center Thursday, Nov. 1 from 8 a.m.-noon. The final clinic will be Friday, Nov. 2 from 7:30 a.m.-12 noon at the Sharon Health Center.

Providing influenza (commonly known as "flu") vaccine is one of the state and nation’s most significant efforts in preventing disease outbreaks.

"Over the last few years, we have been able to provide influenza vaccine to an increasing number of our community members," said Gifford medical director and pediatrician Dr. Louis DiNicola. "The results have been excellent. We have minimal cases of influenza and minimal complications in our community and I’m looking forward to another successful year."

This year, the Vermont Dept. of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are recommending flu vaccine for anyone over age 50, nursing home residents, pregnant women, children and adults with chronic disorders (such as heart disease, asthma, diabetes, HIV or cancer), health care workers and all children ages six months to five years. It is also recommended that flu vaccine be offered to all school age children and people who live with or care for anyone in these high-risk populations.

Gifford patients identified by their doctor as among these high-risk populations should have or will soon receive a postcard from the hospital, noting the availability of vaccine and requesting they make arrangements to receive a shot.

Unlike in past years, this year there is ample vaccine to protect all area residents in need.

There is a $20 cost to receive a shot at one of the clinics and an appointment is required. Children ages six months to 18 years should receive their shot through an appointment with a nurse at their health care provider’s office, and adults wanting the shot billed to their insurance should also make an appointment with their doctor’s office.

To find out more about Gifford’s flu shot clinics, call Gifford primary care at 728-2428, the Bethel Health Center at 234-9913, the Rochester Health Center at 767-3704, the Chelsea Health Center at 685-4400 or the Sharon Health Center at 763-8000.

____________