Health Promotion Affiliates

Immunization Programs

Health Promotion Affiliates (HPA) is a provider of vaccination programs which include: influenza (flu), Hepatitis B, Hepatitis A, Measles, TB testing. HPA’s immunization program is directed by the physicians of Medical Care Affiliates who sign the Medical Directives and provide guidance and consultation to the nurses administering the vaccine. The nurses are provided with the proper needles, hazardous waste containers, gloves and supplies to administer the vaccines safely. The patients must sign a consent form which is returned to the office of Health Promotion Affiliates and is kept as a medical record.

Flu Shots

Every year HPA conducts hundreds of flu clinics for companies and other organizations. Companies sponsor flu clinics to keep their employees healthy and to ensure against loss work time and the spread of the flu. Scheduling a corporate flu clinic is very convenient for the employee who does not have to take time from work to make an appointment at the doctor’s office.

HPA makes it easy to schedule a flu clinic. The client company can download all the flu information and Flu Request Form from this web site or receive it by mail, fax, e-mail. The company is asked to request 3 optional dates for their clinic. Upon receiving the Request, HPA will promptly call and confirm one of the dates. HPA will ask for an estimate of the number of employees participating in the flu clinic. HPA will suggest the number of clinic hours needed based on past history or by using a 30% participation estimate. The company contact will have all the information needed to have a smooth and successful flu clinic. Typically, flu clinics are scheduled in early October through December and even early January. Download the Flu Request Form in “Flu Info”.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B is caused by a virus that attacks the liver. It is spread through contact with bodily fluids and blood. The virus is 100 more times contagious than the AIDS virus.

Employers are mandated to provide Hepatitis B vaccinations for any employees exposed to blood, needles, and bodily fluids. This would include Healthcare workers, first responders who give first aid, and hotel cleaning employees.

Hepatitis B vaccination requires a series of 3 shots; First shot; second shot one month after; and the third shot 5 months after.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is a viral infection that is spread through contamination of food, water, eating utensils and other objects in contact with feces or sewage. Groups considered at higher risk include travelers to countries with high infection rates, food handlers, employees of child care centers. Clinical illness from Hepatitis A can last 4-6 weeks.

A single dose will provide protection for at least 12 months. A booster dose is recommended between 6-12 months after receiving the initial dose.

TB Testing

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection or disease caused by a germ that you breathe into your lungs. If there is a TB infection, other employees who had any exposure should be tested.

The test consists of an injection under the skin which is read two days later by a nurse. The test is positive if a bump about the size of a pencil eraser appears on your arm. A positive reaction to a TB skin test will require a chest x-ray to verify if there is an infection.

Measles

Measles is an infectious viral disease that is highly contagious. Measles itself is unpleasant with fever, rash, cough, runny nose but the complications are dangerous. Although most Americans have been vaccinated against Measles, Mumps, and Rubella, there are outbreaks from travelers of other countries.

Anyone who has been exposed even to the environment of an infected person should consult their physician on whether they should receive a measles shot.

phone:781-449-2233, fax: 781-449-7045, e-mail: mca.hpa@verizon.net

To schedule an immunization program, download the HPA Request Form and fax it to HPA with directions.