Introduction: The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) rapidly spread throughout the world, with diverse negative consequences in all fields, including the continuity of treatment for patients with other diseases. The public hospital for high-complexity procedures affiliated with the So Jos do Rio Preto School of Medicine, So Paulo, Brazil, normally has a high annual quantity of outpatient appointments. However, the consequences of COVID-19 led to a reduction in the number of appointments, exams, and outpatient procedures. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on outpatient care for individuals with urological conditions at a university hospital.
Patients and Methods: A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving the analysis of all outpatient appointments for individuals with urological conditions at the Urology Clinic of the So Jos do Rio Preto Hospital, So Paulo, Brazil,between January 2019 (pre-pandemic period) and December 2020 (after the first year of COVID-19). The variables of interest were sex, age, and affected organs of the genitourinary system.
Results: Among the 4,972 outpatient appointments involving patients with urological conditions in 2019, 70.7% involved males and the largest portion of patients were in the seventh decade of life (40.02%). Among the 4,584 outpatient appointments in 2020, 69.9% involved males and the largest portion were in the seventh decade of life (47.07%). Significant differences were found in the number of outpatient appointments between 2019 and 2020 in all age groups (p < 0.0001). The most affected organs of the genitourinary system in both 2019 and 2020 were the prostate (46.07% and 56.31%, respectively), bladder (30.56% and 22.48%, respectively), and kidney/ureter (22.85% and 19.68%, respectively), with no significant differences between the two years.
Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic exerted an impact on outpatient care for individuals with urological conditions at a university hospital, leading to a reduction in the number of appointments. No change was found with regard to the sex of the patient. In contrast, an increase was found in the number of patients 60 years of age or older during the year of the pandemic. The most affected organs of the genitourinary system were the prostate, bladder, and kidney/ureter in both years analyzed.
The 2019 coronavirus (COVID-19) that emerged in Wuhan, China [1] spread rapidly throughout the world [2,3]. Diverse negative consequences were felt in all fields, including the continuity of treatment for patients with other diseases. Changes occurred in the understanding of priorities in the health field, as human resources (medical and paramedical staff), materials, drugs and hospital beds in wards and intensive care units were prioritized to provide care for patients infected with COVID-19. Social distancing also contributed to the reduction in appointments, exams, and treatment for patients with other conditions.
Routine urological care was impacted and discussions were necessary on how to provide care for these patients [4]. One initiative in Brazil was Law n 13.989/2020, which addressed the use of telemedicine during the crisis caused by SARS-CoV-2[5]. Throughout the world, guidelines were formulated to assist in the determination of which outpatient procedures should be performed and which should be suspended [6-8].
Moreover, residents in urology may have had their education compromised due to the reduction in the number of outpatient appointments, despite the use of telemedicine. Indeed, the changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in the participation of residents in urological activities [9,10].
The university hospital affiliated with the So Jos do Rio Preto School of Medicine,So Paulo, Brazil, is a high-complexity institution with a large number of annual outpatient appointments. The consequence of COVID-19 led to a reduction in the number of appointments, exams, and outpatient procedures. In this context, investigating the impact of the pandemic on urological outpatient care is justified. Despite the risk of contamination, patients with urological conditions should be seen, provided that safety guidelines and protocols are respected since such patients run the risk of the aggravation of certain clinical conditions.
The aim of the present study was to evaluate the impact of the pandemic on outpatient care for individuals with urological conditions at a university hospital considering possible associations with sex, age, and affected organs of the genitourinary system.
A retrospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted involving the analysis of all outpatient appointments for individuals (irrespective of ethnicity) with urological conditions at the Urology Clinic of the So Jos do Rio Preto Hospital, So Paulo, Brazil,between January 2019 (pre-pandemic period) and December 2020 (after first year of COVID-19). This study received approval from the Human Research Ethics Committee of the So Jos do Rio Preto School of Medicine (certificate number: 47083921.0.0000.5415).
Data were collected from the computational system of the hospital. The variables of interest were sex, age, and affected organs of the genitourinary system in patients with urological conditions in 2019 and 2020 (first year of the pandemic).
The data were entered into spreadsheets in the Excel program. Descriptive analysis involved the calculation of frequencies as well as central tendency and dispersion measures. Pearsons chi-squared test was used for the comparison of frequencies. The IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0 (Released 2014; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States)and GraphPad InStat 3.10 (Dotmatics, Boston, United States) programs were used for all analyses, with a p-value 0.05 considered indicative of statistical significance.
Among the 4,972 outpatient appointments involving patients with urological conditions in 2019, 70.7% involved males and the largest portion of patients were in the seventh decade of life (40.02%). Among the 4,584 outpatient appointments in 2020, 69.9% involved males and the largest portion were in the seventh decade of life (47.07%).
No significant difference was found in the comparison of the sex of the patients with urological conditions in outpatient care between 2019 and 2020 (p = 0.7727, chi-squared test). In contrast, significant differences were found in the number of outpatient appointments between 2019 and 2020 in all age groups (p < 0.0001) (Table 1).
The most affected organs of the genitourinary system in 2019 were the prostate (46.07%), bladder (30.56%) and kidney/ureter (22.85%). No significant reduction or increase occurred in 2020; the most affected organs were also the prostate (56.31%), bladder (22.48%), and kidney/ureter (19.68%) (Table 2).
The results of the present study show a reduction in the quantity of outpatient appointments of individuals with urological conditions at a university hospital during the pandemic. The male sex predominated in both the year before and the first year of the pandemic. A reduction occurred in the number of appointments for all age groups, except individuals 60 years of age or older, for whom an increase was found in 2020. Individuals less than 20 years of age accounted for the least number of appointments in the period studied.
In the analysis of the main organs of the genitourinary system, the prostate, bladder and kidney/ureter were the most affected in both years. Patients with prostate conditions accounted for the most appointments, irrespective of the pandemic, possibly due to the fact that such conditions are more prevalent among patients 60 years of age or older [11]. Moreover, the guidelines recommend not interrupting therapy in cases of prostate diseases without medical approval, which justifies appointments of patients in this age group even during the pandemic.
Conditions that affect the bladder require medical care, as symptoms such as hematuria, micturition pain, and urinary retention should be prioritized [12]. In the present study, the quantity of outpatient appointments diminished in the first year of the pandemic, which may be related to patients visiting emergency rooms for care.
Analyzing the quantity of outpatient appointments in patients with conditions of the kidneys and/or ureter, a slight increase was found in 2020, suggesting that these patients maintained clinical follow-up irrespective of the pandemic. Situations such as compromised renal function, fear of invasive procedures or aggravated pain due to a lack of medical follow-up may explain this finding [13,14].
A reduction of approximately 10% was found in the quantity of outpatient appointments for individuals with urological conditions in the first year of the pandemic compared to the previous year. However, some patients may also have been seen at the emergency service of this tertiary university hospital, which is a regional reference center for a population of approximately two million residents (Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatstica, Conjuntura Econmica, 2021).
In the scenario of the pandemic, outpatient appointments for patients with urological conditions should be maintained at tertiary centers that have the necessary infrastructure to deal with complications related to COVID-19 and provide safe specialized care for patients [15]. Moreover, outpatient follow-up of these patients is necessary, since some conditions, such as prostate cancer, may progress due to the situation of the pandemic [15].
The COVID-19 pandemic exerted an impact on outpatient care for individuals with urological conditions at a university hospital, leading to a reduction in the number of appointments. No change was found with regard to the sex of the patients. In contrast, an increase was found in the number of patients 60 years of age or older during the year of the pandemic. The most affected organs of the genitourinary system were the prostate, bladder, and kidney/ureter in both years analyzed.
Updated Sept. 22, 2022 3:38 pm ET
Health authorities encouraging retooled Covid-19 boosters are facing resistance from an unlikely corner: people who had embraced vaccines earlier in the pandemic.
The authorities have expressed hope that sluggish booster rates would pick up as people seek the reformulated shots, which target the latest versions of Omicron.
Under a tentative deal Washington state employees would get $1,000 bonuses for receiving a COVID-19 booster shot.
The agreement between the state and the Washington Federation of State Employees also includes 4% pay raises in 2023, 3% pay raises in 2024 and a $1,000 retention bonus, The Seattle Times reported.
Gov. Jay Inslee announced this month that all pandemic emergency orders will end by Oct. 31, including state vaccine mandates for health care and education workers. But he has said a vaccine mandate will continue to be in effect for workers at most state agencies.
Most employees were required to have their initial series of vaccination by October of last year or be fired. New state employees have had to be vaccinated before their official start date.
We want to have healthy people so people dont miss work, Inslee said earlier this month. The vaccine still remains a very important thing.
The Washington Federation of State Employees represents nearly 47,000 workers with roughly 35,000 state employees impacted by the tentative deal. The union said it would help address widespread staffing shortages and workplace safety issues.
The union called the deal, which still must be approved by both sides, the highest compensation package in the unions history.
Inslees office declined to speak to the specifics of the tentative agreement announced by the union.
Offering incentives for boosters reflects the feedback and recommendations we heard from employees and labor partners, Jaime Smith, an Inslee spokesperson, said.
A Rutgers infectious disease expert explains why getting the annual flu shot is important to individual and public health
While social distancing and wearing masks kept the 2021-2022 flu season milder than pre-pandemic levels, experts who expect flu cases to rise this year as COVID-19 restrictions are lifted are urging people to get their flu vaccine to prevent the nations health care system from being overwhelmed by influenza and the pandemic.
David Cennimo, an infectious disease expert atRutgers New Jersey Medical School,discusses what you can do to protect yourself during the upcoming flu season.
What can we learn from last years flu season and what should we expect this year?According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 20212022 flu season was mild and driven by A(H3N2), a strain that was covered in last years vaccination and is being included in 20222023 vaccines.
The CDCs preliminary figures from last season show 8,000,000 to 13,000,000 flu illnesses, 82,000 to 170,000 flu hospitalizations and 5,000 to 14,000 flu deaths. However, as precautions loosen, we are seeing rates rise. Pediatric deaths, for example, rose from one death in the 20202021 season to 33 this past season. In comparison,199 childrendied from influenza in the 201920 flu season.
When is the optimal time to get a flu shot?The CDC recommends that people age 6 months or older receive a flu vaccination, which is effective for about six months, by late October. The vaccine is effective for about six months so if you get vaccinated too early there is a chance your immunity might wane. Certain children may need a booster shot after the initial vaccination. Check with your doctor.
The nasal mist vaccine is an effective alternative for people between ages 2 to 49 with normal immune systems. It is not for pregnant women, children receiving aspirin or asthmatics under age 4.
Can you get COVID-19 and flu shots at the same time?Yes. The CDC originally recommended a two-week spacing between COVID-19 and other vaccinations, since it was closely monitoring reactions for this new vaccine. Now you can get your COVID-19 shot or booster and flu vaccination at the same time. Studies show having them together does not affect efficacy.
Who is especially vulnerable for contracting the flu?Everyone 6 months of age or older should be vaccinated, but it is especially important for those who are at higher risk for complications and mortality. The CDC estimates that 70 percent to 90 percent of annual flu deaths are in people over 65. Vaccination is important for people with chronic conditions like heart disease and is also critical for caretakers and essential workers who are more likely to transmit the virus if not vaccinated.
Pregnant women should receive the flu shot to prevent severe symptoms and help confer some immunity to their newborns.
Black, Hispanic, American Indian and Alaska Natives also had higher rates of hospitalization and intensive care unit admission for the flu according to the CDC, so flu vaccination is important.
How can one persons flu vaccination possibly save lives?As we have seen withasymptomatic cases of COVID-19, people can unknowingly have the flu and gravely affect vulnerable elderly, children and those who have impaired immune systems, such as cancer patients and people with HIV or pulmonary disease. The more you suppress influenza through vaccination, the less opportunity the virus has to mutate and infect more people. Youll also have lower viral loads and will shed the virus and be infectious for shorter periods of time.
How can a flu shot help me if I do contract the flu?Getting a flu shot reduces your odds of getting sick. If you do, your illness would be less severe. A2018 studyfound that flu vaccination among adults reduced the risk of being admitted to an intensive care unit with flu by 59 percent and a2014 studyshowed that flu vaccination reduced childrens risk of flu-related pediatric intensive care unit admission by 74 percent.
How are the coronavirus and the flu similar and different?Both are spread predominantly through respiratory droplets and contact. There seem to be more asymptomatic cases of coronavirus than influenza, but both are capable of being spread before a person knows they are infected about one to two days before symptoms appear.
Influenza contagiousness is usually over within a week, while coronavirus is around 10 days. Both can cause a spectrum of illness ranging from mild to critical illness and death. Flu symptoms can be confused with COVID-19. If you start feeling ill, it is important to quarantine and test for COVID-19 to rule it out.
Are influenza vaccines safe?Flu vaccines are the most tested and adverse effects are small. Extremely rare side effects like allergic reaction can happen, but the risk is still lower than with many other common medications. Unless someone with an egg allergy has had an allergic reaction to the flu vaccine in the past, they should get the vaccine. If their allergy is serious, they should be monitored while taking the shot. Also, there are two vaccines not made in eggs: rIIV, a recombinant protein, and ccIIV, which is made in cell culture.
Are any of the available flu vaccines recommended over others? Yes, for some people. For the 20222023 flu season, the CDC preferentially recommends three vaccines for people 65 years and older Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine or Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine over standard-dose unadjuvanted flu vaccines.
Can you get the flu from the flu vaccine? Thevaccine takes two weeks to be effective, so people still could contract the flu during this period. The vaccine exposes your body to a weakened form of the virus, which allows you to mount an immune response.Essentially, you are getting a mini flu illness, which is why some people may feel ill after getting the vaccine.
With flu season approaching, plus the possibility of another surge of Covid cases this fall, many Americans are wondering two things: When is the best time to get the flu vaccine if there is one and is it okay to double up and receive both the seasonal flu vaccine and new omicron-specific Covid-19 booster at the same time?
Though the CDC says it's completely fine to get a flu vaccine and Covid-19 shot simultaneously, there hasn't been specific guidance pertaining to the newly formulated booster.
Yet, pharmacies like Walgreens and CVS are offering the vaccines as a packaged deal, and people have already begun getting immunized with both shots at the same time.
But not all public health experts believe this is the best approach, especially given the average flu shot timeline that the U.S. has followed since before the pandemic, says Theodora Hatziioannou, a virologist and associate professor at Rockefeller University.
"For the average person, probably having it a little bit later would be better," Hatziioannou says, "I'm certainly waiting."
The timing of when you get your flu shot should be aligned with the time frame that would allow you to have the best antibody response during the beginning of flu season, Hatziioannou tells CNBC Make It.
It's important to look at data from recent years, prior to the pandemic, in your local area to determine when cases historically start to increase in your community, Hatziioannou says.
The standard rule of thumb is get your vaccination four weeks before the beginning of flu season in order to have the most protection because that's when you'll have the best antibody response, she notes.
"In New York and several other areas with the same geographical latitude, flu season usually starts in December and lasts until March," she says, "So, if you have it [the flu shot] now, at the end of September or [early] October, your peak antibody responses will be in November. It's a little bit too early."
At this time, Hatziioannou recommends getting your flu shot at the end of October or early November to have the highest protection throughout December.
And the protection provided by the vaccine generally wanes over time, so if you get the vaccine too early, you could have less antibodies at the tail end of flu season, she says.
"The one thing I would say is this year I would definitely get both shots because the combination could be quite nasty," Hatziioannou says.
"You don't want to get the flu while Covid's going around, and you don't want to get SARS-CoV-2 while the flu is going around. I can envision that a double whammy would be really terrible."
There aren't any specific reasons why you can't get your omicron booster at the same time as your flu vaccine, says Mark Conroy, emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
"In terms of side effects from the omicron-specific vaccine and the flu shot, there haven't been any studies specifically looking at those two together," Conroy says, "But there have been some studies looking at the prior booster with the flu shot, and there really wasn't a negative effect related to having both shots at the same time."
And if you're worried about not being able to find availability later in the year to get your flu shot, then Conroy encourages you to get a dual-appointment.
"If you don't get them at the same time, what's the biggest risk? And the risk is just forgetting to get the flu shot later," he says, "If you have the chance, obviously get vaccinated over not getting vaccinated."
But, if you can wait for your flu shot, he does recommend doing so until mid- to late-October or the beginning of November as Hatziioannou suggested.
"From the standpoint of the omicron booster, my recommendation is people should just get it as soon as they're able. Covid is around enough and making people sick," he says, "September is a little bit early for the flu shot. I generally recommend getting it a little bit later in the fall."
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For many people, one flu vaccine is as good as another. New this year, however, is guidance for specific types of vaccines for those ages 65 and older.
For people 6 months to 65 years, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said you can use any licensed, age-appropriate influenza vaccine. The options include inactivated influenza vaccine (IIV), recombinant influenza vaccine (RIV), or live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV), with no preference for any flu vaccine over another.
READ MORE: Why some children need 2 flu shots this year
For people 65 and older, however, there are three flu vaccines the CDC is recommending over the standard dose unajuvanated versions. Those vaccines are Fluzone High-DoseQuadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinantflu vaccine and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine. Quadrivalent vaccines contain four different strains of the influenza virus, an effort to better combat the versions expected to circulate this year.
These vaccines are made with an egg-based adjuvant, an ingredient that helps create a stronger immune system. According to the CDC, studies suggest that adjuvanted flu vaccines are potentially more effective for the 65 and older age group. If none of those are available, however, any age-appropriate vaccine is recommended over none at all.
Its recommended everyone 6 months and older in the U.S. with rare exceptions receive a flu vaccine. The best time to get the vaccine is before the end of October as it takes up to two weeks for it to become fully effective.
You can see more on the flu vaccine here.
The arrival of flu season always raises questions. You may be asking yourself: Do I really need a flu shot? When should I get it? Will it make me sick?
Factor in COVID-19 and you may have even more things to consider. Is it safe to get a flu shot and a COVID-19 vaccine or booster at the same time? Influenza cases have been so low during the pandemic, is the flu really worth worrying about on top of everything else?
To help clear up some of the confusion, it can help to hear from a straight-talking doctor. Purvi S. Parikh, MD, a specialist in allergy and immunology at NYU Langone Health in New York City, shares her insights.
Everyday Health: Why get a flu shot?
Purvi Parikh, MD:Its very important to get a flu shot because every year the flu virus causes many deaths, many hospitalizations, and many long term complications especially in those who are elderly or immunocompromised or might have respiratory lung illness.
However, even if youre young and healthy, even if you catch a milder form of the flu, youre at risk of passing it on to one of your loved ones, who may then have a more severe complication.
Children are also at risk, especially because their immune systems are still developing. And we do see pediatric deaths from the flu every year.
EH: Who should get a flu shot and who shouldnt?
PP: Anybody 6 months or older should get a flu shot. Whether or not you have a severe chronic condition that puts you at higher risk for severe complications of the flu, its a good idea to protect yourself as well as protect others. If you catch the flu, youre at risk of passing it on to someone whos much more vulnerable than you.
Those who should not get the flu shot are those who have had a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine or may be allergic to one of the components of the flu vaccine. Or if youve had a rare neurological complication of the flu vaccine called Guillain-Barr.
But its always best to discuss with your physician if its a good idea for you to get the flu vaccine or not.
EH:Some people worry that a flu shot will make them sick.
PP: A flu shot cannot make you sick because the flu vaccine contains an inactive version of the flu virus that your immune system can recognize and mount your immediate immune response to, without actually getting infected from the virus.
You might get some expected side effects from the flu vaccine, which we see with other vaccinations, such as feeling run-down. Or you may have a headache for a couple of days or pain at the injection site. However, its much better than getting the actual virus itself.
EH:What is the best month to get a flu shot? And is it ever too early or too late?
PP: Generally the flu season is the worst during fall and winter, so most people will get their flu shots at that time anywhere between September, October, and November. However, its never too early or never too late to protect yourself from the flu. The flu virus is here year-round, so even if you get it a couple of months earlier, or even if you get it into the summer months, its still vital that you protect yourself.
EH:You might still get the flu even if you get a flu shot. So why bother?
PP: The objective of a flu vaccine isnt necessarily to stop you from getting sick at all, but to make sure that if you do get infected with the flu, either you dont get a more severe version of the flu virus or you get a shorter and milder course.
And its to prevent the more severe complications of influenza, such as hospitalizations, death, secondary pneumonias. And again, by everybody getting the flu shot, we can even protect those vulnerable members of our community and those in our family who may be elderly or who may have conditions that put them at higher risk for complications of the flu.
EH:What do people 65 and older need to know about the flu shot?
PP: People 65 and older may not mount as strong of an immune response as those who are younger. Also, their immune responses sometimes wear off a little sooner than those who are younger than 65. For that reason, we do have a high-potency flu vaccine that also is available every year.
And so those individuals should discuss with their physician if the high-potency vaccine is appropriate.
CLEVELAND (WJW) University Hospitals has been selected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to serve as one of seven locations across the country to study the effectiveness of flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
The CDCs National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Disease has awarded UH $12.5 million in grant funding, with the chance to earn $8 million more over the next five years.
This is the first time that UH is joining, Medical Director of Infection Control Elie Saade said. Were the only hospital in Ohio to do that.We will be able to tell the vaccine effectiveness and how well they work in a real-world setting.
UH will identify laboratory-confirmed cases of acute respiratory illness due to influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID), and other viruses of major public health concern. UH will do this among patients seeking healthcare for acute respiratory illness and related symptomology and will provide accurate estimates of the effectiveness of influenza, COVID-19, and other vaccines against respiratory virus-associated illness in that population.The researchers also will investigate the bodys response to the infection or the vaccine to help understand what can be done to lessen the risk of getting an infection.
Saade said UH was chosen because of its footprint and diverse patient population.
Were also having a strong collaboration with the VA here, who is also partner on this study, and with Case Western Reserve University who is also a partner on this study, Saade said.
Flu season, which has been mild since the start of the pandemic is expected to return to normal levels this year. The xity of Clevelands Director of Public Health Dave Margolius said thats because Australia has already returned to pre-pandemic levels.
So the last couple of years, there hasnt been much flu and we think COVID just out-competed the flu, and thats why, Margolius said. But this year Australia had a what would be like a before-COVID flu season. Thats what were expecting in Cleveland.
Saade and Margolius see this new agreement as a possible boost in reducing vaccine reluctance in Cleveland, where COVID vaccine rates are holding steady at 56%.
My hope is that will be definitely helpful to help get patients trust and peoples trust in the vaccine, Saade said.
UHs agreement with the CDC runs from September 2022 to September 2027.
At Orland Township residents will have the opportunity to receive their seasonal flu-shots on select days in the coming months.
Starting on September 21st, Orland Township residents will have the opportunity to receive their seasonal flu-shots on select Wednesdays at the Township offices, 14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park, from 3 to 7 p.m. Two weekend clinics are scheduled for those otherwise unable to attend a midweek clinic.
Orland Townships 2022 Flu Shot Clinics are all walk-in (no appointment necessary) and for anyone 3 years of age or older. Pneumonia vaccines (Pneumovax 23 and Prevnar 13) will also be available at the Orland Township Flu Shot Clinics to adults 19 years of ages or older.
It is asked that residents bring an updated immunization record and consult with their physician as to which vaccines they may need.Those receiving a shot are asked to wear a short sleeve shirt.
The Township asks that those planning on attending any of the clinics arrive in good health.
ORLAND TOWNSHIP FLU SHOT CLINICS
14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park
Wednesdays 3 p.m. to 7 p.m.
September 21 & 28
October 12 & 19
November 2 & 9
Orland Township will also be offering off-site flu shots on the following dates:
Sunday, September 25 8 a.m. to Noon
St. Francis of Assisi Church
15050 Wolf Road, Orland Park
Another easily available option for residents is the Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic. As one of the Townships more popular offers, this clinic does operate on a first come, first served basis, while supplies last.
Saturday, October 1 9 a.m. to Noon
Orland Township Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic
14807 S. Ravinia Ave., Orland Park
The following will be available atallclinics:
Fluarix Quadrivalent*
ONLY at our monthly immunization clinic.
*Fluarix protects against four different flu viruses.
*Fluarix is preservative free.
Flublok Quadrivalent*
*Flublok is 100% egg-free.
*Flublok is highly purified and preservative free.
*Three times more antigens than traditional flu vaccine.
Fluzone High-Dose*
Individuals with Traditional Medicare Part B: Orland Township will bill Medicare for vaccine(s).
Those with a Medicare Advantage Plan or Retiree Plan (depending upon your insurance plan), may be able to submit vaccine receipt for reimbursement.
*Fluzone HD Vaccine is preservative free.
Pneumonia Vaccine(s):NO insurance accepted for Pneumonia vaccinesPneumovax 23: $100Prevnar 13: $195
For more information on Orland Township services, please call at (708) 403-4222, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., or visit the website atwww.orlandtownship.org.
Hanania also writes about Middle East issues for the Arab News, and The Arab Daily Newscriticizing government policies in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.
Email Ray Hanania at rghanania@gmail.com.
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Montville Twp. Health Dept. to Sponsor COVID and Flu Vaccine Clinics TAPinto.net
