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For ARC appointments, call ARC-INFO (512) 272-4636 |
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Austin Regional Clinic Offers Seasonal Flu Immunization
September 6, 2011. Austin Regional Clinic is now offering seasonal flu immunization to everyone in the community, both established and non-established patients, in all ARC primary care and After Hours locations.
Flu Clinics are located at ARC primary care (Family Medicine, Pediatrics, Internal Medicine) and Obstetrics/Gynecology locations, and After Hours Clinics at ARC Far West, Southwest and Round Rock. ARC is providing flu vaccines in three forms:
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flu shots (injections), regular and preservative-free
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preservative-free FluMist (nasal spray)
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high-dose flu shots (injections), for ages 65 and older
The 2011-2012 flu vaccine includes immunization from the expected seasonal flu strains (Influenza A H3N2, Influenza B) and the H1N1 virus, all in a single injection. The FluZone High-Dose vaccine for people ages 65 and over provides four times the strength of a regular vaccine, providing more effective coverage for that high-risk population.
The U.S. Center for Disease Control (CDC) continues to recommend “universal” flu vaccination, meaning that everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine. The CDC also recommends vaccinating early in the fall, as it takes two weeks for the body to develop the protective antibodies, and the vaccine lasts throughout the entire season, for up to one year.
Flu vaccination in September and beyond should provide protection for the duration of the Central Texas flu season, which usually begins by November, peaks in January through March, and can last until April or May.
“The flu vaccine is a simple and easy immunization that can result in effective protection against the virus,” said Dr. Russ Krienke, ARC Medical Director, “and it is covered by most insurance. ARC clinics have plenty of vaccine and we encourage everyone to get their flu shots from their physician.”
For appointment requests and more information, visit the web site, http://www.austinregionalclinic.com or call your physician’s office, and after business hours, call (512) 346-6611.
About Austin Regional Clinic –
Austin Regional Clinic is a multispecialty medical group committed to providing comprehensive health care services throughout the greater Austin area. Founded by three physicians in 1980, it now provides healthcare to over 380,000 area residents with 18 locations in six cities, including both primary and specialty care. It is unique to the Austin area because of the widespread locations, convenient services and quality assurance programs. ARC patients enjoy such conveniences as same-day appointments, daytime urgent care, after hours care, and nursing services via telephone through the night. Most ARC offices also offer on-site radiology and lab services and some offices offer specialty programs such as a travel clinic and weight loss programs. Patients can also request future or same-day appointments from the ARC web site.
For more information, visit www.austinregionalclinic.com.