[insert date]
Dear Patient:
All people with a chronic health condition, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes,
heart disease, and cancer, among others, should receive an annual
vaccination to prevent influenza With the flu season upon us, Id like to
take the opportunity to remind you how important it is that you receive a
flu vaccine this year Many people are unaware of how dangerous influenza
can be, especially if you have a chronic health condition, like yourself
As your specialist, I support leading health authority recommendations and
strongly advise that you receive an influenza vaccination for the upcoming
2005-06 flu season The flu season typically begins in October and
continues through March so I encourage you to contact me, your primary care
physician or public health department to schedule a flu immunization as
soon as possible
Each year, more than 200,000 Americans are hospitalized and 36,000 die from
influenza-related complications Due to the dangers posed by the virus,
leading health authorities recommend that anyone with a chronic health
condition, such as asthma, COPD, diabetes, heart disease, and cancer, among
others, receive an annual influenza immunization
While it is recommended
that you receive an influenza immunization in the fall, vaccination in
November, December and beyond is still beneficial since the influenza
season typically peaks between January and March
If you are unsure about where to receive an influenza vaccination, contact
your primary care physician or public health department You may also
access the American Lung Associations Flu Clinic Locator online at
wwwlungusaorg to quickly locate an influenza vaccine clinic in your
community
Sincerely,
[insert physician name]
Source:umsl.edu
