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number of flu shots given
Over 120 St. Mary’s Hospital and Clinics staff received their flu shots earlier this month. According to Cathie Hylton, RN, SMHC Employee Health Nurse, the vast majority of patient care staff are now immunized. The shots are offered at no charge to all employees. 
“Our employees are very interested in remaining healthy so they can take care of our hospital and clinic patients,” said Hylton. “We had our first flu patient earlier than usual this year which prompted our employees to make sure they were immunized and prepared for the flu season.” People who need flu shots the most are those in the high risk categories including individuals over the age of 65; residents of long term care facilities; those with compromised immune systems; children and adults with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma; patients with chronic metabolic diseases, including diabetes; those with kidney disease; women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season and health care workers;. Anyone who would like a flu shot should call any of our four clinics, said Hylton. SMHC can bill Medicare and Medicaid so people should bring their ‘proof of insurance’ cards. SMHC does not bill private insurances so those who don’t qualify for the above insurances should bring $35 for a flu shot and $50 if they would like a pneumonia vaccination. Flu shots are also available from the health department and a variety of other locations. |
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