Flu Shots Available at All Concentra Urgent Care Locations

Fast and simple flu vaccine offer best protection against influenza virus

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Sep 28, 2010, 04:26 ET

DALLAS, Sept. 28 /PRNewswire/ -- The flu season is in full swing, and health officials predict this year's outbreak of seasonal influenza to be stronger than usual. To help protect against this highly contagious illness, Concentra is offering seasonal flu vaccines at all Concentra Urgent Care locations across the country.

Seasonal influenza, or the flu, is an extremely contagious respiratory infection and often includes symptoms like high fever, cough, and full body aches. Flu symptoms are more severe than those of colds and can cause medical complications that result in an average of 36,000 deaths each year. But the flu can be prevented with an annual flu vaccine. Doctors and experts agree that a flu vaccine is the best defense against contracting the flu virus. It has been calculated to save more than 8 million lives annually – the equivalent of one person saved every five seconds.

"With an all-new season flu vaccine available this fall, it's more important than ever for the public to be protected from circulating strains of influenza," said Senior Vice President of Medical Operations Bill Lewis, M.D. " By providing employers and patients in the area with seasonal influenza vaccines, physicians and public health officials can better prepare for the upcoming flu season."

This year, the 2010/2011 single-dose vaccine covers both the seasonal and H1N1 flu strains. The H1N1 virus recommended for inclusion in the 2010/2011 seasonal influenza vaccine is the same vaccine virus that was used in the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. Flu shots will be available at all Concentra Urgent Care locations across the country. The company is also scheduling flu vaccine clinics at employer worksites across the nation to assist employers in keeping their employees safe and healthy.

Concentra recommends annual flu vaccination as the principal method for preventing seasonal influenza, along with routine hand washing and proper health habits to stay healthy and well during the flu season. 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.

To learn more information about the seasonal flu, including popular myths and facts about influenza, visit www.concentra.com/flu, or the nearest Concentra Urgent Care location.

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 more than 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