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U.S. IMMUNIZATION NEWS
"Flu Vaccinations for All Elderly Urged"
United Press International ( www.upi.com ) (08/08/02)
After research during two flu seasons indicated that the
vaccination of elderly patients contributed to up to a 50 percent
reduction in mortality, Dr. Gregory Poland, a vaccinologist of
the Mayo Clinic, is calling for the universal immunization of all
senior citizens. Poland recommended that hospital nurses be
allowed to screen and immunize elderly patients for flu and
related illnesses without physicians' orders, and he also
suggested developing reminder systems, flu clinics and
standing-order programs. He also supports adding full
reimbursement by Medicare and third-party payers to cover vaccine
costs.
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LEGAL ADVICE. THE DECISION WHETHER OR NOT TO VACCINATE IS AN IMPORTANT AND
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YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER.