Passport Health Launches FluFree.com - Aims To Improve Flu Vaccination Rates and Fulfill Growing Public Health Priority

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Passport Health, one of the largest immunizers in North America, has launched FluFree.com, a website designed to promote, educate about, and provide access to flu vaccinations.

For 20 years, Passport Health has provided its clients with protection against vaccine-preventable diseases, including the flu. The launch of FluFree.com is designed to address the growing gap between the need for vaccination and the number of people who actually chose to get vaccinated.

"We all know the flu is miserable, but not everyone who has access to the flu vaccine gets one," said Fran Lessans, RN, MS, Founder, President and CEO of Passport Health. "FluFree's mission is to educate people on just how serious the flu is, and to promote awareness of and accessibility to the flu vaccine."

Current estimates show that just 36 percent of all Americans receive a flu vaccination – and bolstering those rates is a public health priority. Healthy People 2020, which provides a 10-year agenda for improving the nation's health, has set a target vaccination rate of 70 percent for all Americans.

But, in the midst of a hectic work and family life, taking time to get vaccinated can be a challenge. Passport Health's team of medical personnel can provide flu shots in any US location. FluFree builds on this existing personnel platform and clinic distribution network with flu vaccination posters, videos, and a game-plan designed to bolster participation in onsite flu immunization events.

This is not the first time Passport Health has taken a stand on a public health initiative.  Passport Health was a first responder to the Anthrax attacks in 2001, and the company has participated in numerous vaccine trials.  Now, with its focus turned to influenza, Passport Health aims to make another impact through FluFree.com by helping to educate users about the flu and bolster immunization rates in the process.

After all, it's far too easy to shrug off the threat of flu. A majority of Americans have experienced its effects – and, while miserable, symptoms of the flu typically subside in a few days. The missed days of work, the toll on family life – all this unpleasantness seems to be forgotten when flu season rolls around the next year.

But the flu is serious. Some 36,000 adults die from flu complications each year, and many more are hospitalized. The flu takes a toll on businesses and the economy too. The National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases reports that, every year, flu related costs create an $87.1 billion burden on the U.S. economy.

For more information on influenza, flu vaccines and flu safety, visit FluFree.com or contact a Passport Health immunization specialist at 1-844-FLU-FREE.

About FluFree.com:
FluFree.com is a division of Passport Health that hopes to raise influenza awareness and assist families, individuals and businesses in preventing the spread of influenza. It launched in August, 2014.

About Passport Health:
Passport Health is the largest and leading provider of travel medicine and vaccination services in the North America.  With over 230 clinic locations, 20+ years of experience, a commitment to first class medical care, and rigorously trained medical staff, Passport Health sets the immunization industry standard.  Passport Health's core services have grown from travel medicine to include on-site flu clinics, specialty physical exams, routine immunizations, and vaccination records management solutions for public and private sector clients of all sizes.

CONTACT:
Kara Anderson
Director of Community Development
480-646-9031 (direct)
[email protected]

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20140929/149111

SOURCE Passport Health