News Seton Medical Center Williamson Offers Free Flu Shots

Round Rock, Texas (October 15, 2008) - Seton Medical Center Williamson (SMCW) will offer free flu shots on Saturday, Nov. 8 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the SMCW Learning Center.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications and 36,000 people die from influenza.

"Seton Medical Center Williamson is prepared to give out 400 vaccinations," said Kassie Dye, Community Care Outreach Coordinator at SMCW. "We want the community, especially older people and those who are at high risk for flu complications, to come and get their shot to stay healthy during the peak of flu season."

The following groups are at higher risk for having medical complications from influenza and should be vaccinated each year:

•People 50 years of age or older.
•People with chronic disorders of the lungs or heart such as asthma, COPD, emphysema, chronic bronchitis or cystic fibrosis.
•People who are less able to fight infections because of a disease they are born with; an infection with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV); treatment with drugs such as long-term steroids; and/or treatment for cancer with X-rays or drugs.
•People who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases, including diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases and blood cell diseases such as sickle cell anemia.

Vaccinations will be given on a first come, first serve basis. No vaccinations will be given to children under the age of 13, people with allergies to eggs, anyone with a temperature of more than 100 degrees or pregnant women.

For more information or questions contact Kassie Dye at 324-9999 ext. 20310 or kmdye@seton.org.