Maxim Health Systems announced it will launch its annual influenza vaccination program starting on September 29, 2007. Maxim will provide flu shots nationwide through more than 24,000 public clinics this year. The company's Web site, FindAFluShot, helps users find a convenient location for vaccination clinics by simply typing in a local zip code on the site to obtain times and locations for clinics.

"It is not too early to think about flu prevention," said Steve Pellito, National Director of Wellness Services for Maxim Health Systems. "To remind friends and family to get their flu shots, Maxim has created a free and simple email reminder tool. By typing in a name and e-mail address using the FindaFlushot site, Maxim will send an e-mail alert during the vaccination season with information on where to find a local flu shot clinic," said Pellito.

"Remember that influenza is the strongest of winter viruses," said Bonnie Fass-Offit, MD, FAAP, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. "There is little medicine that helps once you have the illness. The best way to protect yourself and your loved ones is by getting your annual flu vaccine."

Maxim conducts its flu clinics at convenient retail locations, such as pharmacies, supermarkets and other public venues. Finding the nearest location is as simple as typing in your zip code on FindaFluShot. This will provide the address, date and times for flu shots at local clinics. The Web site also provides the latest news on influenza and links to other resources to learn more about the flu and its prevention.

Each year as many as 65 million Americans fall victim to influenza and flu-related complications, such as pneumonia, resulting in 200,000 hospitalizations and 36,000 deaths per year. The CDC has determined that vaccinations are the single most effective way to prevent flu and strongly encourages high-risk individuals to get vaccinated. This includes:

-- Anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill or spreading influenza to others

-- All persons over 50 years old.

-- Children and adolescents who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy

-- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season

-- Adults and children who have chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (except hypertension), renal, hepatic, hematological or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus)

-- Adults and children who have a weakened immune system (due to: HIV/AIDS, long term treatment with drugs such as steroids, cancer treatments)

-- Adults and children who have certain muscle or nerve disorders (e.g., 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; and

-- Residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities

-- Anyone who lives or cares for people at high risk for influenza related complications

-- Health care providers

-- Household contacts and caregivers of children from birth to 5 years of age and adults age 50 and older.

-- All children aged 6--59 months

Maxim provides flu shots to children aged 9 and older unless restricted by a state regulation or law. By calling the clinic site ahead of time (information also provided on the Maxim Web site), parents can verify that their children can receive the vaccine. For children under 9 years of age, parents should contact their pediatrician. Maxim accepts Medicare Part B with no co-pay required, when Medicare Part B is the primary insurance.

About Maxim Health Systems

Maxim Health Systems is a division of Maxim Healthcare Services, Inc. Established in 1996, Maxim Health Systems offers a full line of comprehensive wellness services to corporate and retail clients. We provide a variety of services including immunizations, health screenings and health fairs. In 2006, our flu immunization program alone was responsible for vaccinating more than 3.7 million people. Together with Maxim Healthcare Services, we have branch locations in most metropolitan areas across the nation.

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