FLU Vaccine
UPDATE: 1/08/2010
We now have H1N1 flu vaccine, as well as seasonal flu vaccine. Adult clinics offering both vaccines are scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday, January 13 and 14 from 3-5pm in Cambridge and Wellesley.
NOTE: Both vaccines are also available for children by appointment only. To make an appointment for your child, please call the nursing department.
Nursing Department - Cambridge: 617-661-6225 x6302
Nursing Department - Wellesley: 731-235-5200 x7136
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H1N1 (referred to as "swine flu" early on) is a new influenza virus causing illness in people. This new virus was first detected in people in the United States in April 2009. This virus is spreading from person-to-person worldwide, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. A vaccine for the H1N1 flu virus is expected to be available in the Fall of 2009. The Marino Center relies on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) for information regarding the H1N1 flu virus. Please visit the websites for the CDC and MA DPH for up-to-date information.
COULD I HAVE H1N1 (swine) FLU??
There's some confusion about H1N1 (swine) flu, how to distinguish it from seasonal flu, and what to do if you think you might have it. Using a self-assessment tool can help you figure out if your symptoms are consistent with H1N1 (swine) flu and what to do. At the same time, you can help the public health officials track the disease. Click here to take the self-assessment.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE FLU...
Flu (influenza) is a very contagious disease of the body’s respiratory system. Symptoms may include sudden fever, cough, muscle aches, headache, general weakness and also runny nose and sore throat. The viruses that cause the flu reside in the nose and throat and are sprayed into the air when an infected person sneezes, coughs or talks. People can then breathe in the virus and become infected, generally within 1-3 days. In New England, flu season usually begins in December and lasts through March. Travelers may be exposed at other times of the year.
Take these everyday steps to protect your health:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you are sick with flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.) Keep away from others as much as possible to keep from making others sick.
PLEASE REMEMBER...
You must be an established patient to receive a flu vaccine from the Marino Center. Check in with a staff member in the reception area to sign a consent form, provide insurance information, and find out where to proceed.
The flu vaccine is recommended for:
- Individuals over the age of 50, children 6 months to 5 years
- Women who will be pregnant during influenza season
- Individuals over the age of 18 who have asthma, lung diseases, diabetes, kidney or heart disease, anemia, and other blood disorders
- Individuals with significant history of a chronic disease or weakened immune system, or certain muscle or nerve disorders
- Individuals who live with or care for people at high risk for influenza complications
Do not get the flu vaccine if you have a severe allergy to eggs, had a previous reaction to a flu shot, or have a history of Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
FLU VACCINE UPDATE - 1/08/2010
IMPORTANT: Before coming to a flu clinic, please check our website www.marinocenter.org for updated information about availability of flu vaccine. Supplies of vaccine may be delayed or limited, and we may have to reschedule flu clinics if vaccine is not available.