In recent years, vaccinations have reduced the risk of flu-associated hospitalizations
among older adults by 40 percent on average. Hoag has a clear policy in
place through its Seasonal Influenza Program requiring all Hoag employees
and health care personnel (HPC) working at a Hoag facility or location
to receive their flu vaccination at no cost. The donation from the George
Hoag Family Foundation supports this effort while extending the free shots
to immediate family members of Hoag employees.
Depending on the severity of the season, influenza kills between 12,000
and 61,000 Americans per year. Medical professionals are predicting an
extremely harsh flu season this fall and winter and that, combined with
the coronavirus pandemic, increases the probability that physicians will
need to test sick patients for both illnesses, as COVID-19 and influenza
present the same symptoms.
"Flu vaccinations not only protect hospital employees, but those around
them as well, including those who are more vulnerable to serious illness.
Vaccination of high-risk groups has been called the single most important
influenza control measure by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention," said
Philip A. Robinson, M.D., medical director of Infection Prevention at Hoag.
Hoag is offering several options for patients to receive flu shots throughout
the fall season. Hoag's hospitals, flu shot health fairs and physician
offices are safe, and are following the most stringent guidelines to safeguard
the vaccination process. Hoag's Faith Community Nurses will coordinate
up to 70 flu clinics offering free flu vaccinations to the community.
"We are living in an unprecedented time where a global health pandemic
is threatening our health in ways we have never experienced before,"
Braithwaite said. "Thankfully, Hoag is positioned to provide the
best care possible for our community with help from incredibly generous
friends like Melinda and Chuck Smith."
According to Braithwaite, 2020 is one of the most important year's
ever to get your flu shot.
"This year it is more important than ever for everyone to get a flu
shot, and we wanted to make sure that our hospital community had the access
to influenza vaccines that they need to stay safe and to keep the public
safe," Braithwaite said.
Meanwhile, Hoag has doubled its order of flu vaccinations and will administer
vaccinations – for both the public and for Hoag employees and families
– starting in mid-September 2020.
"Influenza and coronavirus are two different, potentially fatal diseases
which means it is possible for a person to become infected with both," said
Robert T. Braithwaite, president and CEO of Hoag. "It is our hope that everyone six months and older receives a flu
vaccine to help prevent a second public health crisis."
Flu Shots For Employees, Physicians, Families
The clinic has donated $400,000 toward providing members of Hoag employees
and physicians, are able to receive free flu shots. The donation underscores
the heightened importance of the flu vaccine during the
COVID-19 pandemic.
"Frontline caregivers put their lives and the lives of their loved
ones at risk just by going into work. We feel strongly it is necessary
to protect the physicians and employees while helping to avoid a surge
of influenza cases during a global public health crisis," said George
Hoag Family Foundation President Melinda Hoag Smith, who along with her
husband, foundation Managing Director Chuck Smith, made the donation possible.
Braithwaite added, "In addition to protecting our staff and physicians,
we are committed to protecting their families and our surrounding communities
as well. We are grateful to the George Hoag Family Foundation and to Melinda
and Chuck Smith for their generosity and their exceptional commitment
to the Hoag family."