CITY ANNOUNCES 2006 FLU CLINIC DATES
The City of Portland's Division of Public Health is promoting National Adult Immunization Awareness Week (NAIAW) from Sunday, September 24 through Saturday, September 30 to raiseawareness about the 2006 influenza season.

This year in October andNovember, the City will offer influenza and pneumococcal vaccines byappointment at its India Street Public Health Center and at severalcommunity-based walk-in clinics. These vaccines will be available for a fee of $5.00 each.

During Maine's 2004-2005 fluseason, there were over 1600 reports of influenza and influenza-likeillness statewide. Individuals with chronic medical conditions such asdiabetes, asthma, or heart disease are particularly at risk for influenza infection, as are people in nursing, convalescent, or other institutional settings. People 50 years of age and older are urged to get the influenza vaccine annually. These vaccines will be available for a fee of $5.00 each.

As many as 50,000 adults in the U.S. die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases or their complications. During Maine's 2004-2005 flu season, there were over 1600 reports of influenza and influenza-like illness statewide. Individuals with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart disease are particularly at risk for influenza infection, as are people in nursing, convalescent, or otherinstitutional settings. People 50 years of age and older are urged toget the influenza vaccine annually.

For more information on adolescent and adult immunization, pleasecontact the Immunization Program, Division of Public Health, Departmentof Health and Human Services, City of Portland at (207) 874-8446, or visit the Immunization Program website at www.portlandmaine.gov