Individuals During Vaccine Shortage VNAA Urges Others To Practice Good HygieneAsProtection (NAPSA)—While influenza is a serious disease killing an average oY c= of 36,000 Americans each year, some individuals are at increased risk for influenza-related complications. The Visiting Nurse Asso- ciations of America (VNAA)is urging those at most risk for serious illness from the influenza virus to be patient but persistent in seeking an influenza vaccination this season. ‘ Q ~— | t >. 6 ; f 4 A vaccination. If your regular pro- Although there are practical steps everyone can take to help prevent the spread of influenza, including: e Avoid close contact with people who are sick department or Visiting Nurse ers if you areill When possible, stay home “This season, it is essential for people 65 and older as well as those at high risk to make the extra effort to receive an influenza vider does not have vaccine, please contact your local health Agency for other options. Influenza is a serious illness for those over age 65,” says Carolyn Markey, R.N., VNAA president and chief executiveofficer. Due to the decreased supply of influenza vaccine, this season the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced priority groups for vaccination for the 2004-2005 influenza season, including: e All children aged 6 through 23 monthsof age Keep your distance from oth- when you are sick and don’t send your children to school or daycare if they are sick Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing e Wash your hands with soap often. For more information about influenza and current recommenda- tions, visit the CDC at www.cdc.gov or the VNAA at www.vnaa.org. About VNAA The VNAAis the official na- tional association for non-profit, e Adults aged 65 years and older e Persons aged 2 to 64 years with underlying chronic medical community-based Visiting Nurse Agencies, who care for and treat approximately four million pa- nant during influenza season e Residents of nursing homes and long-term carefacilities health care professionals, and shares a nonprofit mission to pro- conditions e All women whowill be preg- e Children 6 months-18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy Health care workers with direct patient care Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months. Those not included in the above priority groups are being asked to forgo vaccination this influenza season. tients each year. The nation’s network of 415+ Visiting Nurse Associations employs nearly 150,000 vide cost-effective and compas- sionate home health care to some of the nation’s most vulnerable individuals, particularly the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The VNAA has a wide range of resources available on its award-winning Web site about home health care and things to ask about when considering home health care. Click www.vnaa.org to locate a VNA nearyou.
