DALLAS, TX (Feb 4, 2008) ) –
MedBasics Family Health Centers will offer approximately 400 free flu vaccinations in the Dallas-Fort Worth area on Saturday, Feb. 9, to help combat Dallas-Fort Worth's severe flu epidemic. The Centers for Disease Control reports increased outbreaks of influenza and flu like illnesses and currently lists outbreaks in Texas at a widespread level, the highest category used to measure the prevalence of influenza.
And with the peak flu season coming in February, MedBasics wants to reduce the number of cases in the area. The company will offer 200 free flu vaccinations at each of its two newest locations. The free vaccinations will be offered on Saturday, Feb. 9, at the MedBasics located inside the Carnival Super Market at 912 W. 12th St. in Dallas and at the MedBasics located inside the Carnival Super Market at 102 Northwest 28th St. in Fort Worth. The vaccinations will be offered on a first-come, first served basis to anyone four years of age and up. As of Feb. 1, the four area MedBasics locations were offering $10 flu shots, which is much less than the $30 most doctors' offices and clinics charge.
Annually, the flu affects five to twenty percent of Americans and causes around 200,000 hospitalizations. But the real danger is that parents send their sick kids to school and adults still go to work. As children and adults are exposed to so many sick people, the best healthcare is prevention.
According to Dr. Lisa Taylor, MedBasics' Clinical Director, it's critical to protect yourself and your children this flu season. "Influenza remains the most frequent cause of death from a vaccine-preventable disease in the United States," said Dr. Taylor. "And because the flu is arriving unusually late this year, it's vital that those who received vaccinations in October and November receive a follow-up vaccination. The flu might be coming unusually late, but it is still coming, and Texans must protect themselves from it."
"The greatest health success MedBasics can offer is to prevent occurrences in Texas," said Brian Jones, MedBasics CEO, "and the only way to do this is to receive a flu shot." Jones hopes to lower the number of Texans who get sick this year.
MedBasics Family Health Centers, which are open extended evening and weekend hours, provide flat-fee care for a variety of routine, non-urgent and preventative medical services including physical exams, immunizations, flu shots and treatment of common illnesses such as allergies, bladder infections, bronchitis, ear and sinus infections, fever and strep throat.
MedBasics Family Health Centers are located inside the following Carnival Super Markets:
- Dallas, 3434 West Illinois
- Dallas, 912 W. 12th St.
- Dallas, 3460 Webb Chapel Ext.
- Fort Worth, 102 Northwest 28th St.
No appointment is needed and visits usually last 15 minutes. MedBasics Family Health Centers are open 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Monday thru Saturday and 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
