Lincoln, RI, September 23, 2008- October is the official start of flu season, and it runs right through May. In an effort to immunize as many people as possible the Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island will offer 52 flu clinics throughout the state, many of which are open to the public. The first public flu clinic will be on Monday, October 6 at the Woonsocket Senior Center, 84 Social Street, Woonsocket. The clinic runs from 1:00pm to 4:00pm.

The clinic is free and open to the public. No appointment is necessary. The agency can accept most medical insurances including Medicare, Medicaid, Neighborhood Health Plan, United, Blue Cross, and private payment. The private payment charge for flu immunization is $33.00.

Flu is contagious and easily spread from person to person. It is important for people over 50 years of age, people with long-term health problems and those with a weakened immune system to get a flu shot each year, early in the season. Even those who reside in community living facilities or those who are care-givers of the ill should get a shot.

Basic prevention, such as hand washing is key to avoiding the flu. If you catch the flu, help to prevent its further spread by covering your mouth when you cough or sneeze. And be sure you and your loved ones get that flu shot, now.

About Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island

Visiting Nurse Service of Greater Rhode Island, founded in 1908, is a non-profit Medicare Certified and Licensed Home Health and Hospice agency serving Rhode Island. Its mission is to improve the quality of life in the communities it serves and to help patients remain at home. There is over 160 staff, including physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers and home care aides serving over 600 patients a day, providing home care and hospice. Visiting Nurse Service also provides private care, personal emergency response systems, medication reminders, fall detectors and Telehealth to another 600 patients a day.