Philadelphia VA Influenza Vaccination Information
This information provided by the Philadelphia VA (updated 10/9/2008):
A large supply of flu vaccine is expected nationally; there are no reported shortages. We have not yet received enough vaccine to be vaccinating most patients or staff, though may begin to vaccinate patients admitted to the hospital shortly with the small supply of vaccine we have received so far. Once adequate vaccine is available we will be offering vaccination at many locations, and will update this message accordingly.
Clinics at the Philadelphia VA Medical Center should now be vaccinating scheduled patients against influenza. The CBOCs will be receiving vaccine to start soon. We are also vaccinating inpatients in the Medical Center at this time. We plan to open our dedicated, walk-in flu clinic for veterans as early as next week.
VA employees can begin seeking vaccination at Occupational Health (please call ahead at x5888) and any inpatient or outpatient clinical site. We are also planning mass vaccination clinics specifically for employees, trainees, and volunteers date and location to be named.
Next, some information about the flu vaccine and you:
The flu vaccine is safe and effective. Anyone can get the flu. However, the flu shot cannot give you the flu; it does not contain live virus. “Flumist” (the flu vaccine nasal spray) does have live virus but it is weakened and cannot cause give you the flu. Both are safe and given to adults and children. The flu vaccine is different every year since the influenza virus is different every year. Vaccination every year is necessary for protection
The flu shot will be available to all veterans and staff. A small number of Flumist nasal spray vaccinations will also be available for employees/volunteers 50 years old or younger who do not have chronic medical conditions. We are not able to offer Flumist to veteran patients at this time.
All employees in the VA system are strongly urged to seek and accept vaccination to protect the health of the veterans we serve, to protect themselves and their families, and to stay healthy for work when we need them most.
All veterans in the VA healthcare system are offered vaccination. However, the following groups are at increased risk of complications from influenza and are strongly urged to become vaccinated: veterans 50 years old or older or those with other conditions such as: heart or lung disease, diabetes, blood disorders (such as sickle cell anemia), kidney disease, disorders or treatments that weaken the immune system, spinal cord injury or disease, seizures, decreased mental functioning, and those who will be pregnant during influenza season.
Those at risk for transmitting influenza to the above veterans are also strongly urged to receive vaccination: VA employees, people who live with or care for either children younger than 5 years old or adults in the above targeted groups.
VA providers are offering flu vaccination to veterans.
Veterans: please ask your provider other VA employees you interact with whether they have been vaccinated.
Patients: call your VA caregiver for further information.
Healthcare and hospital workers: please ask your supervisor or call Infection Control for more information. Our numbers are on the hospital intranet site.