• See the list of locations and schedules

BUFFALO, NY - September 29, 2003 - The Visiting Nursing Association (VNA) of WNY, in partnership with Kaleida Health, announces the 2003 Annual Immunization Campaign will run from October 18-December 7.

"Influenza kills over 36,000 people every year in America," reports VNA Medical Director Angelo Rizzo, M.D. "This suffering and death is easily prevented by safe and effective immunization - your annual Flu shot."

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends the Flu shot for everyone over 50 years of age, people at-risk for chronic heart disease, lung disorders, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease or anemia and other blood disorders. The CDC also encourages anyone who does not want to get the Flu this winter the get his or her annual Flu shot.

Professional nurses will be administering influenza and pneumonia vaccines to adults at more than 200 sites throughout our community. The locations of the sites are listed on the VNA of Western New York website www.vna-wny.com and on our phone hotline at (716) 862-3588 (VNAFLUU).

The proceeds of the campaign support charity home care at the VNA.

Community sponsors of the campaign include: Wegmans, Adelphia Communication, State University of New York at Buffalo School of Nursing, Medline and Genesee Truck Rental.

Founded in 1885, the local VNA is the oldest Visiting Nursing Association in America and the largest home health agency in the area. The VNA has been offering immunizations to the general public for over 11 years. It is estimated that the VNA will protect over 25,000 individuals from influenza and pneumonia in 2003.

Kaleida Health is the 39th largest health system in the US and the largest health care provider in the Buffalo/Niagara Region. More than one million patients are seen annually at Buffalo General Hospital, The Women & Children's Hospital of Buffalo, Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital, Millard Fillmore Gates Hospital, DeGraff Memorial Hospital and numerous ambulatory sites. The system also includes long-term care facilities, as well as visiting nurse and homecare services.