Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 10, Number 11, 1 November 1999 — Immunization saves lives [ARTICLE]

Immunization saves lives

Influenza and pneumonia are serious health problems that ean affect anyone, but seniors 65 years and older are a particularly high risk groups. As many as 60,000 deaths nahonwide eaeh ; year are attributed to influenza, commonly known as the "flu," a serious, contagious infection. "Flu and pneumonia vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent illness and save lives," says Health Director Dr. Bmce Anderson. "The Department of Health's Immunization Program strongly supports shots for those at risk." Those at risk also include resident s of adult care or nursing homes and adults or children with chronic heart or lung condi-

hons, including asthma, diabetes, renal disease, anemia or suppressed immune systems; or are undergoing chemotherapy. Some chnics provide immunization free or at a nominal fee. Those covered by Medicare Part B are free. For informahon, eall the Department of Health Immunization Program at 586-8332. For elinie dates and hmes on all islands, eall ASK 2000. www.hawaii.gov/health