September 2009

SMG INFLUENZA VACCINE INFORMATION 2009-10

Two vaccines for influenza will be available from your doctor at Stanford Medical Group during the fall, 2009 flu vaccination period: the usual seasonal flu vaccine and the novel H1N1 flu vaccine .


We advise patients in the following groups to receive BOTH vaccines when available:

• pregnant women


• people who live or care for children younger than 6 months of age


• health care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact


• people who have chronic health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease, and those with comprised immune systems due to disease or chemotherapy treatments.

We also recommend that all adult patients receive the usual seasonal vaccine as soon as it is available and the pneumonia (Pneumovax) vaccine if you have not already had this vaccine and are over age 65.


PLANNING YOUR FLU VACCINATION VISIT AT SMG


Usual Seasonal Flu Vaccine - Available beginning 9/22/09 to all adult patients. Please call for a flu shot appointment or combine this with your usual appointment at SMG.


H1N1 Influenza Flu Vaccine - expected delivery mid-October, 2009. Available initially only to high risk patients as defined above. Please check our web site weekly for updated information on availability.

STAY INFORMED! Review the following information:

• SMG 2009-10 Flu Guidelines


• CDC Says “Take 3 Actions to Fight the Flu


• California Department of Public Health


• Stanford University Info on Pandemic Influenza


• Find a Flu Shot in your Community


• SMG Viral Illness Self-Care