News :Recognizing National Adult Immunization Awareness Week
Posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
In late September, our country recognized National Adult Immunization Awareness Week (NAIAW) 2009 as designated by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID).
National Adult Immunization Awareness Week is an annual recognition spearheaded by the NFID to coordinate awareness-raising activities that focus on both adult and adolescent immunizations. Because this year marks the 19th consecutive observance of NAIAW, it provides an excellent opportunity for individuals and organizations to promote the importance of adult and adolescent immunization.
Since we are now on the verge of flu season, which normally begins in November and runs through March, there has been a daily stream of print, broadcast, and Web articles. These articles, often containing statistics from the researchers at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, are widely available through various news programs and the Internet. Maxim is also happy to provide up-to-date information about the flu through our Seasonal Flu Resource Center and our H1N1 Resource Center.
The importance of immunizations this year versus others
According to the CDC, between 5 percent and 20 percent of the U.S. population develops seasonal influenza annually. Of those infected, more than 200,000 are hospitalized from its complications and about 36,000 people die. However, this year, because of heightened awareness caused by H1N1 (Swine Flu), the attack rate is expected to be as high as 30 percent.
For more information about the flu and the importance of getting vaccinated, please visit Maxim’s Flu Resource Center today.
Why nurses should be among the first to get vaccinated
As with previous years, healthcare workers, adults 50 years or older, children and adolescents between six months and 18 years, and those with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk for influenza-related complications.
However, it is important to note that influenza immunization of healthcare personnel –– especially the nurses on the front lines of this pandemic in clinics, doctor’s offices, hospitals and Emergency Rooms –– is critical in protecting both caregivers and patients from influenza.
After all, if medical personnel are absent from the workplace, who will be able to provide care and administer the flu vaccine to the masses that may want to be immunized?
Where do you find your flu shot?
One of the easiest ways to find a location near you offering flu shot is to use Maxim’s Flu Locator.
By typing in your zip code, the distance you’re willing to travel to receive a vaccination, and the dates you’ll need a clinic, the Flu Shot Locator is able to provide a list of local clinics, pharmacies, grocery stores, and retail establishments, as well as their addresses, phone numbers, distance from your home, directions, plus days and times that the immunizations will be available.
Remember that getting a flu vaccination and maintaining good health habits are the best ways to prevent getting the flu. This is especially important for nurses and other healthcare personnel, as they are at the forefront for promoting national initiatives such as Adult Immunization Awareness Week.