News Release
September 18, 2007
HMSA offers flu shot clinics in the community
Laura Lott
(808) 952-7566
laura_lott@hmsa.com
The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA) today announced the launch of its
annual community flu shot clinics for HMSA, HMSA 65C Plus, and HMSA QUEST members.
To help residents prepare for the upcoming flu season, ISI Health Enhancement Services,
a subsidiary of HMSA, will begin conducting clinics this week. Clinics will be conducted
through early November, and will be held on Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
HMSA, HMSA 65C Plus, and HMSA QUEST members 18 years or older may receive flu shots
at no cost, while supplies last. Members must show their HMSA card and a photo ID.
There will be no charge for Medicare Part B beneficiaries who show their Medicare
card and a photo ID. Nonmembers may get an immunization for $35.
At the Seniors’ Fair on Oahu, Sept. 21 through 23, flu shots and pneumococcal shots
will be provided in the HMSA booth. At all other community clinics, only flu shots
will be provided.
Who Should Get a Flu Shot?
The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus, so antibiotics will not help.
The best prevention is to get a flu shot each fall. Flu shots are recommended for
individuals 65 and above, residents of long-term care facilities, workers providing
direct care to patients, pregnant women, children ages 6 months to 59 months, caregivers
of children less than 6 months of age, and people with chronic conditions such as
heart or lung problems, kidney disease, diabetes, asthma, cancer, or HIV/AIDS.
Who Should Avoid a Flu Shot?
People should consult their doctor if they are allergic to eggs, have had a severe
reaction to a flu shot in the past, or have Guillain-Barre syndrome (a rare form
of nerve damage). Flu shots should not be given to children less than 6 months of
age and to anyone with a fever.
About ISI Health Enhancement Services and HMSA
ISI Health Enhancement Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of HMSA. ISI provides
innovative, cost-effective products and services to HMSA employer groups, health
care providers and members.
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is
governed by a community board of directors that serves without compensation and
includes representatives from health care, business, labor, government, education,
clergy, and the community at large. It is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield
Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Nationally,
HMSA and 38 other Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to
nearly 100 million members.
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