One of the scariest truths about influenza is that it can kill healthy children of all ages. Parents like Detroit area resident Zack Yaksich know the heartbreak only too well after his 5-year-old daughter died suddenly of influenza complications in 2003. Yaksich created Alana’s Flu Foundation so that other parents can be made aware of the dangers of the flu.
This flu season, Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan urges parents and children to get vaccinated, and ‘Say “Boo!” to the Flu’ clinics create a Halloween themed atmosphere that tricks the flu and treats you to good health.
Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan will be conducting Say “Boo!” to the Flu clinics on:
- Saturday, October 16, 2010, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the North Oakland YMCA ( 3378 E. Walton Blvd. ) in Auburn Hills
- Friday, October 29, 2010, from 4 to 7 p.m., at Ultimate Soccer Arenas ( 867 South Boulevard ) in Pontiac
“Vaccination is a key step in helping fight the flu,” said Kay Renny, RN, manager of community programs for Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan. “According to the CDC, the flu vaccine can prevent as many as two-thirds of influenza infections in young children, with even higher estimates for older children .”
Say “Boo!” to the Flu events provide influenza information for parents, fun Halloween-themed activities for kids and make vaccinations convenient for all.
This season’s annual flu vaccine will protect against the H1N1 virus and two other viruses that cause the flu. Flu Mist, the nasal vaccine, is available for healthy individuals ages 2 to 49. The traditional flu shot is also available.
The cost is $25 for the flu shot and $30 for Flu Mist. VNA also accepts the following insurances: HAP, Blue Care Network, Priority Health, Health Plus of Michigan and Medicare and Medicaid for adults 19 years and older. A limited number of free flu vaccines is available for people without insurance.
People can also visit the VNA Oak Park office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to get their flu shots or visit us at our many other public clinics.
About Say “Boo!” to the Flu
Families Fighting Flu (a group of families who experienced the loss of a child to the flu), Visiting Nurse Associations of America (the largest non-profit network of flu immunizers) and The Clorox Company join together for the Say “Boo!” to the Flu program, a national campaign to increase the number of families vaccinated against the flu nationwide.
About VNA of Southeast Michigan
Founded in 1898 and headquartered in Oak Park, Mich., Visiting Nurse Association of Southeast Michigan (VNA) is the largest, independent nonprofit provider of home health care and hospice services.
