Last year Community Wellness administered more than 50,000 vaccinations at 280 work sites, schools, churches, and community agencies. Community Wellness has administered its flu vaccination program for nine years, three years under the auspices of the Visiting Nurse Association. Flu season typically runs from November through April, peaking between late December and early March. Nationally, more than 383 million work and school days are lost because of flu. However, the flu vaccination, which usually is effective for two to six months, with protection beginning about two weeks after receiving the shot, can reduce absentee rates at companies where the shot is offered to staff.
Influenza is contagious respiratory disease caused by a new strain of virus each year.
Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, nausea, weakness, headache, and muscle aches. In extreme cases, usually with the elderly, death may occur. In addition to its flu vaccination program, Community Wellness offers a variety of health education and screening services. Proceeds from the Community Wellness program help support other nonprofit community services of The Health Trust, including Meals on Wheels, Health Connections AIDS Services, School Health Centers, and PlaneTree Health Library. PlaneTree Health Library will host a workshop and speakers series beginning Saturday, October 21 at its main library at 98 North 17 th St. in San Jose.