← News Home

Community Physician Network to offer new quadrivalent influenza vaccines to patients

For release on September 05, 2013
Indianapolis, IN--- Community Physician Network, the integrated, multi-specialty physician group at Community Health Network, will offer quadrivalent (four-strain) influenza vaccines for the upcoming flu season. The latest vaccine to win FDA approval, the quadrivalent vaccine contains two type A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and two type B strains, as opposed to the traditional trivalent vaccine which contains two type A strains and one type B strain.

“The flu vaccine is produced every year based on the best prediction of what the prevalent flu strain will be,” said Paul Wilson, M.D., senior medical director of primary care at Community Physician Network. “We are pleased that all of our physicians are able to offer the newest vaccine that includes an additional B strain, to increase protection against the flu for our patients.”

This is the first year the quadrivalent vaccine is available in the U.S. market. The vaccine is approved for patients age 6 months and older. Additionally, Community Physician Network will offer a quadrivalent nasal mist (FluMist®) option containing a live, attenuated virus. The nasal mist is approved for healthy patients age 2 through 49 years who are not pregnant.

In addition to the quadrivalent vaccines, Community Physician Network will also offer a trivalent intradermal vaccine, featuring a shorter needle, approved for patients age 18 through 64, and a trivalent, high-dose vaccine for patients age 65 and older.

The quadrivalent vaccine does carry a higher cost, but insurers are expected to provide the same coverage as for the trivalent vaccine.

As a highly contagious respiratory illness that can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations or even death, the CDC recommends that everyone age 6 months and older get vaccinated against influenza. It is particularly important for those at high risk of having serious flu-related complications and those who live with or care for people at high risk of developing flu-related complications:

·         Pregnant women

·         Children younger than 5

·         People age 50 and older

·         People of any age with chronic medical conditions

·         People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

·         People who live with or care for those at high risk of flu-related complications (healthcare workers, people who care for children less than 6 months of age, or who care for/ live with others who are at high risk for complications)

“We want all patients age 6 months and older to have access to a flu shot that is right for them,” added Dr. Wilson. “Your physician can make a recommendation on which option is best for you. Whether quadrivalent or trivalent, getting the influenza vaccine in any form is a critical step in preventing illness in yourself as well as in those around you.”

About Community Physician Network
Community Physician Network is one of the area’s largest multi-specialty medical groups, including more than 600 providers including primary care and specialty physicians, as well as nurse practitioners and physician assistants, in more than 80 locations across central Indiana. Community Physician Network is part of Community Health Network, which is ranked among the nation’s most integrated healthcare networks and includes specialty and acute care hospitals, health pavilions, surgery centers, home care, MedChecks, behavioral health and employer health services. Community Physician Network is dedicated to putting patients first, providing a full continuum of care that is easy for patients to use. To learn more, visit eCommunity.com/physician or call 800-777-7775. 

--30--

Courtney Jones, Media Relations
Courtney Jones
Media Relations