Flu Shots Available at Martin's Point Health Care in Portland

Walk-In Flu Shot Clinics in Portland the Week of Nov. 17

PORTLAND, Maine - Martin's Point Health Care will offer walk-in flu shot clinics the week of November 17 in Portland for its patients and the general public. The shots will be available from 8:30 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last, at the Martin's Point Health Education Center at 331 Veranda St.

Patients who already have a Martin's Point appointment during November and December can receive their flu shot then. In addition, Martin's Point patients who are unable to attend one of the walk-in clinics may schedule an annual flu shot by appointment at one of the four Martin's Point locations in Portland (828-2402); Brunswick (725-8079); Windham, Maine, (892-0062) and Portsmouth, N.H. (800-222-5154).

Walk-in flu shot clinics also will be held at Martin's Point in Portsmouth, 151 Corporate Drive at the Pease International Tradeport, on Nov. 5, 14, 19 and Dec. 3, 11 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Children must be at least nine years old to participate. There is no up-front cost for the flu shots for Martin's Point patients who have health insurance or those with Medicare coverage. The fee for all others and for non-Martin's Point patients is $20. Payment may be made with cash or by check or credit card. For more information, call 828-2402 in Portland.

"The best time to get a flu vaccine is between October and December to ensure protection throughout the traditional flu season," said Dr. Steve Hess, Chief Medical Officer at Martin's Point. "And people should keep in mind that a shot is needed every year because the viruses that cause influenza often change, and the vaccine is updated accordingly."

Dr. Hess stressed that it is particularly important if you are in the following high-risk categories:
- 65 years or older
- Adults and children with chronic (ongoing) health problems, including: asthma or lung problems; kidney disease; heart disease; diabetes; HIV/AIDS.
- Adults and children receiving medical treatment (such as chemotherapy) that can weaken the immune system.
- Children and teenagers between the ages of six months and 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy, as they are at risk for Reye syndrome if they get the flu.
- Women who will be at least three months pregnant during the flu season.

Established in 1981, Martin's Point is a not-for-profit health care provider with facilities in Portland, Brunswick and Windham, Maine, and in Portsmouth, N.H. Martin's Point has a staff of more than 300 health care professionals and serves 54,000 patients ö including military retirees and dependents of active military personnel ö under all major health plans.

The Martin's Point Health Education Center offers a variety of resource materials such as publications and videos, as well as classes that focus on a host of topics, ranging from weight management and smoking cessation to disease management.

Martin's Point serves patients in the areas of family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, surgery, radiology, cardiology, and mammography, as well as other fields. For additional information, visit online at www.martinspoint.org.

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