Free Flu Vaccinations Provided for Fire-Afflicted San Diego Residents
2007 NOV 19 -- A coalition of medical companies recently responded to the wildfires which have devastated Southern California. On Sunday, October 28, Passport Health, the largest private provider of vaccines in the United States, in conjunction with CSL Biotherapies and Global Pharmaceutical Sourcing (GPS), donated over 1,700 vaccinations to victims and volunteers. Influenza shots were available throughout the day at three of San Diego County's Local Assistant Centers. AFLURIA(R), an influenza vaccine developed by CSL, was administered by the nursing staff from Passport Health's San Diego and Los Angeles affiliates. With 136 locations, Passport Health is the only national network of clinics that carries all commercially-licensed vaccines. Passport Health was contacted as a result of their past performance in responding to catastrophic events such as Hurricane Katrina and the post-9/11 anthrax attacks. "Immuno-responses have been weakened due to the abundance of carcinogens in the air because of smoke. This increases the risk of contracting influenza," states Dr. Laura Radke, M.D., medical director of Corporate Health Services for ProHealth. The influenza virus can have a major impact on families and businesses. More than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized and 36,000 die each year. Influenza costs employers $10 billion in paid sick leave. Young children, the elderly, and the immuno-compromised are at greatest risk. The CDC urges those at high risk to get vaccinated, including health care workers, pregnant women, and children ages 6 months and older. Also at risk are those individuals who have upper-respiratory infections or chronic disease. Plans are currently under way to continue to assist San Diego County representatives in the vaccination process. In the next two weeks, Passport Health, the American Lung Association, and Community Health Improvement Partners will once again team with CSL and GPS to aid local residents. Flu clinic sites throughout the county will have over 3000 flu vaccines available free of charge. San Diego residents can learn more about these clinics by calling Passport Health's local office at (619) 293-3963. Anyone at risk for contracting influenza who has not yet received a flu shot for the 2007/2008 flu season should call Passport Health's toll free number 1-888-499-PASS or view their website http://www.passporthealthusa.com/ for further information on personal or corporate vaccinations and locations. Keywords: Anthrax, Biological Therapy, Biotechnology, Chronic Disease, Flu Vaccines, Gene Therapy, Immunization, Influenza Vaccines, Influenza Virus, Pharmaceuticals, Treatment, Vaccination, Viral Research, Virology, Flu Vaccine, Passport Health. This article was prepared by Biotech Business Week editors from staff and other reports. Copyright 2007, Biotech Business Week via NewsRx.com.
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