[Press Release] : The cost of NOT getting a flu shot

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2007

CONTACT: Chris Coffman
Public Health Nurse Supervisor
(573) 874-7453 or 874-7356
 jccoffma at GoColumbiaMo.com 

The cost of NOT getting a flu shot	
							
	(COLUMBIA, MO) -  The cost of a flu shot/vaccination at the
Columbia/Boone County Health Department is $20, but the cost of not
getting a flu shot can be much higher.
    	Children who do not receive the flu shot are at an increased
risk for not only getting the flu but for complications associated with
the flu. Rates of infection are higher in young children than in any
other age group. The costs to children who get the flu include feeling
miserable from the flu infection and medical complications that may lead
to increased visits to the physician and emergency room, and
hospitalizations. An average cost of hospitalization for a flu-related
illness is reported to be $13,159 in a study listed by the Centers for
Disease Control. Another consideration is the cost of a parent missing
work due to the child’s illness. 
   	The costs to young and middle-aged adults include feeling
miserable for a number of days and loss of sick leave, pay deductions
and increased medical costs. People who are ill spread the infection to
family members, friends and fellow workers. A flu shot/immunization is
an important and practical benefit for those who work or have kids. 
   	Adults 60 and older are at risk of developing serious
respiratory complications, such as pneumonia, and being hospitalized
with the flu. This group also has the highest risk of dying from the flu
and its associated complications. Pneumonia as a complication from the
flu is the sixth leading cause of death in the U.S. and people over 65
years account for 89 percent of these deaths. Less than 50 percent of
this population presently receive their flu shots each season.
	Flu vaccine is still available and it’s not too late to be
immunized. The cost of the flu shot/vaccination is $20 payable by cash
or check. Medicaid and Medicare are also accepted. Flu vaccine will
continue to be offered at the Health Department on a walk-in basis until
the vaccine supply is exhausted. If you have questions, nurses are on
duty from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. They can be
reached at 874-7453 or 874-7356.

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