Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana

Local News

September 11, 2009

Flu shot clinics delayed

Due to a manufacturer’s delay in the shipping of the seasonal flu vaccine, Margaret Mary Community Hospital is postponing its remaining scheduled community flu shot clinics at Morris Volunteer Fire Department Sept. 17, Southeastern Indiana YMCA and Sunman American Legion Sept. 24 and Holton Community Center Oct. 1.

MMCH ordered 8,000 doses of the flu vaccine in January. To date, the hospital has received and dispensed 4,000 doses. The remaining doses that have not yet been received will be provided through community clinics at various sites in the county, said communications specialist Ashley Morris.

The clinics will be re-scheduled when the balance of the vaccine order is shipped.

Geralyn Litzinger, RN, community health improvement manager, emphasizes that patients still have adequate time to be immunized prior to the height of the flu season. "We understand that many people are anxious about the flu this year. Most influenza activity peaks in January or later," she said. "Although we have no way of knowing when we will eventually receive our shipment, we are still hopeful that our vaccine supply will arrive in time for local residents to get their flu shots ahead of the peak season."

Litzinger added that people who feel they are at higher risk may consider checking with local drug and grocery stores that provide the flu vaccine at a cost.

Margaret Mary Community Hospital leaders apologize for any inconvenience this delay may cause.

In the meantime, Litzinger recommends these tips for minimizing the risk for flu and for preventing its spread:

• Wash your hands often

• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

• Avoid crowds and close contact when possible

• Stay home when you’re sick

• Avoid visiting patients in hospitals and nursing homes who are more susceptible

• Eat a well-balanced diet

• Get plenty of rest and exercise.

Litzinger urges area residents to check local newspaper or radio stations for more information about the rescheduled flu clinics. Updated status reports will also be available on the hospital Web site, www.mmch.org, and on a special MMCH flu info line, 933-5250.

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