OMAHA, Neb., April 9, 2009 – The Visiting Nurse Association of Omaha/Council Bluffs was selected by the Visiting Nurse Association of America and Novartis Vaccines to participate in the pilot program for a college/university-based influenza immunization initiative. Students historically have low vaccination rates – as low as 20 – 25%. This influenza college/university-based awareness program is designed to educate and motivate these populations within each pilot community to become vaccinated against the flu. The influenza vaccine significantly reduces student illness, doctor visits, impaired school performance and missed class/work days.

The VNA is seeking university partners in the Omaha/Council Bluffs area and surrounding communities, including Lincoln – a market currently not involved in the VNA flu prevention campaign – to participate in this immunization initiative. The influenza vaccination clinics will take place on the university/college campuses in the fall of 2009.

Once a university has agreed to participate, the Visiting Nurse Association will work together with them to decide a convenient date and time for a clinic on their campus. The VNA will provide the university with communications and marketing materials to advertise the clinics to parents and students. The university is asked to provide a campus location for clinics and a system for collecting fees and (when available) processing reimbursement. The VNA will send registered nurses to administer the immunizations at the clinics, as well as supply the vaccine.

Influenza is a serious health concern in the U.S., especially for college students. On average, each year more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from influenza complications and 36,000 U.S. residents die according to the Centers for Disease Control. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a serious viral illness that is contagious from the day before the symptoms begin until five days after they start. The most common complaints are fever, sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, muscle aches and fatigue.

The VNA offers two types of vaccinations given by registered nurses: flu shots and FluMist, a nasal-spray vaccine. Flu shots are offered at all clinic locations for $25, and FluMist is available at select clinics for $30. Both the flu shot at FluMist will be available at the university flu clinics.

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