Last Minute Batch of Flu Shots made Available for Free At Naperville and Arlington Heights Immediate Care Centers

CHICAGO, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Beginning Wednesday at 9 a.m., MedSpring Immediate Care, a leading provider of immediate health care will offer flu vaccines free of charge while supplies last at their two Chicago-area centers located in Arlington Heights at 902 W. Dundee Road and in Naperville at 1190 S. Naper Boulevard.  

The Center for Disease Control continues to report elevated levels of the flu virus across the United States, and strongly recommends the flu vaccine for those who have not yet been vaccinated this season, including pregnant women and children older than 6 months of age. According to the CDC, nearly 93 percent of the total 145 million vaccines produced this season have already been distributed.

The CDC also stresses the importance of the flu vaccine for those who are at high risk of developing serious complications should they contract the flu, or for those who live with or care for others who are at high risk of complications, including children younger than five, pregnant women and adults 65 years of age and older. This year alone, five times more flu-related hospitalizations have been reported among those 65 years of age and older.

"Many think it's now too late in the season to get their flu shot, or that the flu season is nearing its end," said Jon L. Belsher, M.D., MedSpring's Chief Medical Officer. "It's still important to get your flu shot as soon as possible, especially for those at high risk of complications and it should be the first line of defense in protecting yourself and those around you."

It is also important to recognize the key differences between a common cold and the flu. Because the two share many of the same symptoms, many patients with the flu often go untreated. While those with a cold may experience a runny or stuffy nose, the patients with the flu typically experience fever, body aches, extreme tiredness, and dry cough. A simple test can be performed to rapidly diagnose the flu virus.

All MedSpring centers are staffed by physicians, who are available 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Walk-ins are welcome, while scheduled appointments are also available. MedSpring surveys every patient and posts all comments and reviews online, which to date have averaged ratings of 4.9 out of 5 stars.

MedSpring Immediate Care currently operates 13 immediate care centers with six centers in Austin, five centers in Houston and two Chicago-area centers. A third Chicago-area center is planned to open in the coming months in the Lincoln Park/Lakeview area at 2868 N. Broadway (just north of the N. Clark and W. Diversey intersection).

About MedSpring Immediate Care

Austin-based MedSpring Immediate Care operates immediate care centers that focus on delivering quality care and exceptional service. For more information, including patient reviews and savings compared to an ER, please visit www.medspring.com or find us on Facebook and Twitter.

SOURCE MedSpring Immediate Care