Two flu- and pneumonia-shot clinics scheduled

The Memorial Hospital and the Visiting Nurse and Hospice Care Services have scheduled two public flu and pneumonia shot clinics in the Conway area. More will be added depending on community demand and vaccine availability. While no delays are anticipated with this years supply, check local media for updates in advance of the clinics.Clinics are presently scheduled as follows: Wednesday, Oct. 24, from 1 to 4 p.m., Gibson Center for Senior Services, North Conway; Wednesday, Oct. 31, from 9 a.m. to noon, Conway Fire & Rescue Station, Main Street, Conway.No appointments are necessary for the clinics; shots are given on a first-come, first-served basis and are available only to those age 18 and older. Parents with questions about flu and pneumonia vaccines should contact their primary-care provider. The cost of the flu shot is $20; Medicare Part B can be billed for participants who bring their card. The pneumonia vaccine is provided free as a community service of The Memorial Hospital.While the influenza vaccine is needed annually, the pneumonia vaccine can be given just once in a lifetime if over the age of 65. For those under 65 receiving the pneumonia vaccine, a booster will be needed five years after the vaccination. The influenza and pneumonia vaccines are specifically recommended for people who are at high risk of developing serious complications as a result of these two diseases. These high-risk groups include all people age 65 or older, people of any age with chronic diseases of the heart, lung or kidneys, diabetes, or severe forms of anemia, and people who are in frequent contact with anyone in these high-risk groups.Some people should check with their physician before receiving the vaccines, including those with allergies to eggs or latex, those with impaired immune responses, women who are pregnant, those taking antibiotics, and those who have a fever or feel ill, especially respiratory conditions.Additional information is available by calling the Visiting Nurses, 356-7006, or The Memorial Hospitals Community Relations office, 356-5461, Ext. 388 or 198.