Fever Players Assist Vaccination Effort
Indianapolis, Oct. 23, 2003
The Indiana Fever hosted approximately 100 guests at Conseco Fieldhouse Thursday morning to assist the Marion County Health Department and its efforts in promoting locally a national immunization program.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has selected Indianapolis as one of 10 U.S. cities targeted for an enhanced influenza educational campaign: “Protect yourself. Protect your loved ones. Get your flu shot.” To help kick off the program with Dr. Walter Orenstein, Assistant Surgeon General and Director of the CDC’s National Immunization Program, Indiana Fever players Niele Ivey and Olympia Scott-Richardson were among a dozen local dignitaries who received flu shots in the Entry Pavilion of Conseco Fieldhouse.
Among the dignitaries was State Congresswoman Julia Carson, who also is a member of the Fever Advisory Committee; Dr. Virginia A. Caine, Director of the Marion County Health Department and a Fever season ticket holder; Matthew Gutwein, President and CEO of the Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County; and Dr. Charlene Graves, Medical Director for the Immunization Program of the Indiana State Department of Health.
Vaccinations are encouraged to promote a healthy society and help in the reduction of the cost of healthcare. Orenstein stated during the 30-minute press conference that October and November were the best months to receive a flu vaccine, in order to counter peak flu seasons that begin as early as December.
