ATLANTIC GENERAL HOSPITAL PROVIDES COMMUNITY FLU CLINICS

Berlin, Md. – Frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with those who are sick certainly helps but, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the best way to prevent the flu is getting a flu vaccine each year.

As a service to our community, Atlantic General Hospital/Health System is again providing community flu vaccination. We will be hosting our annual clinics for ages 13 and older. We will not be offering the high dose flu vaccine. If you desire the high dose flu vaccination, please contact your primary care provider or the RediScripts pharmacy located in the main lobby at Atlantic General Hospital. The flu vaccine is considered preventative care and is covered at 100 percent by most insurances.

Patients of AGHS providers can call to schedule their flu shots or inquire about available walk-in times.

Community members can also receive flu shots at Townsend Medical Center on 10^th Street in Ocean City, no appointment necessary.

Donations made during the Atlantic General Hospital flu clinics help offset the cost of future flu clinics. This year the hospital and health system has scheduled clinics as follows:

Tuesday, October 2, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pocomoke Fire Department

1410 Market Street Pocomoke, Md. 21851

Saturday, October 6, 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Health Fair at Ocean Pines Community Center

235 Ocean Parkway Ocean Pines, Md. 21811

Tuesday, October 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Taylor Bank (Snow Hill Branch)

108 West Market St. Snow Hill, Md. 21863

Wednesday, October 10, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Atlantic General Hospital (Please use Emergency Room Entrance)

9733 Healthway Dr. Berlin, Md. 21811

Wednesday, October 17, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.

Atlantic General Hospital (Please use Emergency Room Entrance)

9733 Healthway Dr. Berlin, Md. 21811

Thursday, October 18, 3p.m. to 6 p.m.

Atlantic General Primary Care

96 Atlantic Ave Ocean View, De. 19970

Wednesday, October 24, 1p.m. to 4 p.m.

Atlantic General Women's Health

38394 Dupont Blvd. Unit H Selbyville, De. 19975

Thursday, October 25, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Holy Savior Catholic Church

1705 Philadelphia Avenue, Ocean City, Md. 21842

Influenza and complications resulting from the virus kill an estimated 20,000 people each year, according to the CDC. Although rates of influenza vaccinations have increased in recent years, health surveys indicate that less than half of the high-risk population receives a yearly vaccine.

Influenza, or flu, is a highly contagious virus spread by inhaling droplets from an infected individual’s cough or sneeze. Most symptoms emerge within 24 to 48 hours and are characterized by fever, chills, sore throat, cough and headache. Just one infected person can unknowingly pass on the flu to family members and loved ones because the virus can be transmitted 24 hours before symptoms appear. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine.

Those at an increased risk for influenza related complications:

• persons 65 years and older
• nursing home residents and other chronic care facilities
• adults and children with chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma
• people with metabolic diseases such as diabetes
• those with blood diseases like sickle cell anemia, or impaired immunity

The vaccine is usually given before the flu season. Since flu viruses mutate often, vaccines should be repeated each year.

For more information on the Atlantic General Hospital Community Flu Clinics, contact Atlantic General Hospital at 410-641-9FLU (9358).

About Atlantic General Hospital

Atlantic General Hospital has been providing quality health care to the residents of Worcester, Wicomico, Somerset (Md.) and Sussex (Del.) counties since May 1993. Built by the commitment and generosity of a dedicated community, the hospital’s state-of-the-art facility in Berlin, Md., combines old-fashioned personal attention with the latest in technology and services. It provides quality specialty care such as weight loss surgery, orthopedics, outpatient infusion for individuals with cancer or blood/autoimmune disorders, retina surgery and a comprehensive women’s diagnostic center. Atlantic General Health System, its network of more than 40 primary care providers and specialists, care for residents and visitors throughout the region. For more information about Atlantic General Hospital, visit www.atlanticgeneral.org.

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