Free Online Search Lists Over 35,000 Flu Shot Clinics

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Last year, fewer than 25 percent of children ages 6 to 23 months were fully immunized for the flu during the flu season. Since asthma and allergy patients already have chronic respiratory problems, the risks associated with getting the flu can be greater for them.

So the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) is making it easier for the 20 million Americans with asthma and the 50 million with allergies to find flu shot clinics with a free "Flu Shot Finder" at www.aafa.org.

The flu is a serious and potentially deadly viral infection that spreads easily and is a major concern, especially for people with other chronic respiratory diseases. Each year, the flu causes approximately 20,000 hospitalizations and nearly 100 deaths in American children under age 5. Annual flu shots are highly recommended for anyone with underlying medical conditions such as asthma.

The Foundation's Flu Shot Finder is a simple online zip code search that links to a database of more than 35,000 flu clinic locations nationwide. The Flu Shot Finder returns a list of clinic names, dates, times, addresses and phone numbers to help consumers find the most convenient location and schedule a visit. The Flu Shot Finder Web page also provides links to helpful information about influenza; flu shot guidelines from the CDC and more.

"Flu symptoms can cause more trouble for people with chronic respiratory conditions," says Angel Waldron, a spokesperson for AAFA. "When you've already got a chronic disease like asthma, a severe flu could make it worse." For more free information about AAFA, asthma or influenza, visit www.aafa.org, or call 1-800-7-ASTHMA.

About AAFA

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA), founded in 1953, is a not-for-profit organization of patients serving patients. It is the leading patient organization for people with asthma and allergies, and the oldest asthma and allergy patient group in the world. AAFA offers health education, organizes local, state and national advocacy efforts and funds research to find better treatments and cures. The Flu Shot Finder is powered by Maxim Health. SOURCE The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America

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