Concentra Supports National Influenza Vaccination Week, Offers H1N1 Vaccines

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Jan 14, 2010, 10:23 ET

ADDISON, Texas, Jan. 14 /PRNewswire/ -- Concentra, the nation's largest urgent care provider, is taking part in National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10-16) as designated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and is making H1N1 vaccines available through its Concentra Urgent Care centers.

To support this effort, Concentra is expanding H1N1 vaccine availability to Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, and Oregon. H1N1 vaccines are now available in 21 states at Concentra Urgent Care centers.

"The flu season typically begins its peak in December and can extend into May, and influenza viruses are known to be unpredictable and easily spread. And the H1N1 has shown to reappear rapidly, making vaccination against the H1N1 virus timely and important," said Bill Lewis, M.D., Senior Vice President of Medical Operations for Concentra. "Now that H1N1 vaccines are more readily available, we're urging patients in our communities to get vaccinated."

According to Federal health officials, nearly 10,000 persons in the U.S. have died from the H1N1 virus since the new virus strain first appeared in April of last year. In addition, approximately one out of every six people in the nation has been stricken with the virus. Public health officials are recommending everyone receive an H1N1 vaccine and many states have lifted priority group restrictions, allowing all patients to receive the vaccine. The H1N1 vaccine is the most effective protection against the H1N1 virus, is developed in the same method as the seasonal flu vaccine, and is completely safe.

The H1N1 vaccine is currently being offered at:

Select Concentra locations in Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

Concentra provides flu vaccines to patients 4 years of age and older. No appointment is necessary, walk-ins are welcome. There is no cost for the vaccine itself, however a vaccine administration fee does apply and is due at the time of service. To confirm the latest availability and formulation of vaccine, please call the nearest Concentra Urgent Care location. For a complete list of locations, visit www.ConcentraUrgentCare.com.

Concentra Urgent Care offers health care services for a wide range of serious injuries and illnesses, including colds and flu, seasonal allergies, skin infections, broken bones, and many other conditions, as well as wellness services such as immunizations, physicals, and vaccinations. With locations throughout the nation, many with weekend and extended evening hours, Concentra delivers comprehensive health care solutions to patients – providing the care they need, when they need it most.

About Concentra®

Concentra is a leading health care company focused on improving America's health, one patient at a time. Through its affiliated clinicians, the company provides occupational medicine, urgent care, physical therapy, and wellness services from more than 300 medical centers in 40 states. In addition to these medical center locations, Concentra serves employers by providing a broad range of health advisory services and operating 250 worksite medical facilities. Through this complement of services, Concentra intends to raise the standard of health by putting individuals first, treating them with clinical excellence, and focusing on their ongoing wellness.

www.Concentra.com | www.ConcentraUrgentCare.com

SOURCE Concentra