Posted: | April 2, 2015 11:22 AM |
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From: | Senator Mario M. Scavello |
To: | All Senate members |
Subject: | Flu Vaccine Information for Older Adults Residing in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) |
In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Health to prepare and publish Information about the Flu Vaccine for Older Adults Residing in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). The Department of Health would require each CCRC in the State to post this information in a public place in the facilities by August 1 of each year. The CCRC would also be required to provide the information to each resident within a reasonable time and without cost. Older Pennsylvanians are far more susceptible to serious flu-related complications due to weaker immune systems. In older adults, the flu can result in hospitalization or even death. Therefore, providing Pennsylvania senior citizens with the information they need to protect themselves and those around them is essential to keeping them healthy and saving lives. The information would include items such as: • How vaccination can help prevent the flu in older adults; • The availability and efficacy of the flu vaccine in older adults; • A recommendation the seniors consult with their physicians regarding the flu vaccine; and • The particular individual and community benefits of vaccination among older adults in close proximity to each other, especially those living in assisted living facilities. If you have any questions regarding this legislation, please contact Christine Zubeck in my office at 717-787-6123 or czubeck@pasen.gov. Thank you for your consideration. |
Introduced as SB968