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Source:
Dr. Robert Tackett, 785-532-6544
News release prepared by: Carol Kennedy, 785-532-6595, carolk@k-state.edu
Wednesday,
October 11, 2006
FLU
VACCINE AVAILABLE AT LAFENE HEALTH CENTER FOR K-STATE STUDENTS,
FACULTY AND STAFF
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's Lafene Health Center will
have flu vaccine clinics Thursdays, starting Oct. 12 and running
through Nov. 16, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinics are open to
all K-State students, faculty and staff.
No
appointments are needed. Depending on demand, individuals should
plan on the vaccination process taking 60 minutes, including the
post-vaccine wait time. Cost for the vaccine is $14 for students,
and $19 for faculty and staff.
"K-State
students, faculty and staff are encouraged to get the flu vaccine,"
said Dr. Robert Tackett, medical director of Lafene Health Center.
"Vaccination is encouraged as late as December or January if
vaccine is available."
According
to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, annual influenza
vaccination is recommended for people at increased risk for severe
complications from influenza. The CDC recommends the vaccine for
the following:
*
Children age 6-23 months; and children age 6 months to 18 years
old who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore,
might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza
virus infection.
*
Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season.
*
Adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary
or cardiovascular systems, including asthma; hypertension is not
considered a high-risk condition.
*
Adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up
or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic
metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, or renal dysfunction,
hemoglobinopathies or immunodeficiency, including immunodeficiency
caused by medications or by HIV, the human immunodeficiency virus.
*
Adults and children who have any condition, such as cognitive dysfunction,
spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders or other neuromuscular disorders,
that can compromise respiratory function or the handling of respiratory
secretions or that can increase the risk for aspiration.
*
Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that
house people of any age who have chronic medical conditions.
*
People over the age of 65.
All
K-State students who are at high risk for influenza should receive
their vaccine during the Lafene clinic times without delay, Tackett
said. Students unable to make it to Lafene during the regular clinic
times can call 785-532-6544 to schedule an appointment.
More
information on influenza is available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/recommendations.htm
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