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Maxim has swine flu vaccine shot, mist

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The Tampa Tribune

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 30, 2009

TAMPA - A private health company is administering swine flu vaccinations this week to those at highest risk for complications from the disease.

The vaccinations are being offered by Maxim Health Systems at a price of $15 each or free to those with Aetna insurance.

The vaccinations, both shots and mist form, will be available 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. today at the Quorum Hotel, 700 N. Westshore Blvd.

Maxim is a provider of annual seasonal flu shots in Florida and nationwide, working through sources including employers and insurance companies.

So far, swine flu vaccine has been available locally through school-based clinics and private physicians and health care providers.

Earlier, Maxim offered nasal mist vaccines in Hernando County and the company has advertised clinics in Pinellas County, as well.
County health departments must sign off on any distribution of the vaccine.

Manufacture and shipment of the vaccine has been delayed nationwide so it won't be broadly available until mid-November, the Food and Drug Administration has said.

That's why health departments and private providers are limiting distribution to those who are at highest risk of complications from swine flu.

Maxim will ask those seeking vaccinations to fill out a high-risk assessment sheet, said company spokesman Mike Clemens.

Priority patients include pregnant women, people who have household contact or provide care to a child under 6 months of age, health care workers or emergency medical service personnel, those between 6 months and 24 years old, and those between 25 and 64 with one or more health conditions associated with complications from flu.

Maxim will have about 1,100 doses available for the Hillsborough clinics, Clemens said.

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