Study Finds Vaccinating Healthy Adults Against Flu Could Save Nation $1.3 Billion

Routine annual influenza of all working adults could save the nation as much as $1.3 billion each year, according to a U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) study published in the March 12 issue of "The Archives of Internal Medicine".

Lead author, Kristin L. Nichol, MD, MPH, MBA, of the Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research at the Minneapolis VA Medical Center, said the study provides important evidence in support of a nationwide policy of routine vaccination for all working adults.

The VA study, which examined health, labor and economic statistics in a sophisticated computer model, took into account rates of illness from influenza, time lost from work, hourly wages, the costs of vaccination, and other direct and indirect costs. Results showed that on average health costs would be reduced $13.66 per person vaccinated. If all the nation's 94 million full-time workers, ages 18 - 64, received the vaccination, the savings would total nearly $1.3 billion annually.

2001 International Year of Volunteers

In November 1997, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution declaring 2001 as International Year of Volunteers. The goal of the resolution is to increase recognition, facilitation, network, and promotion of volunteering.

The Veterans Affairs Voluntary Service (VAVS) has the largest volunteer program in the federal government. A total of 13,420,838 hours of service from volunteers occurred during Fiscal Year 2000. In addition, VA received approximately $40 million in gifts and donations.

April is the month that VA honors and recognizes volunteers. Each medical center holds various events honoring the contributions of volunteers. For more information on how to become a volunteer in VA, contact your nearest medical center.

Sioux Falls VAM&ROC

The Sioux Falls VAM&ROC will be honored to have VA Secretary Anthony Principi cut the ribbon for the newly remodeled Canteen food service, tour the nearly completed Transitional Care Unit, and visit the Regional Office on May 3, 2001.

Wade Spooner arrived as the new Chief, Engineering Service on March 28. Mr. Spooner most recently was a supervisory general engineer with the Department of the Air Force in Minot, North Dakota. He has extensive experience in program management, project development, design, execution, and completion. Mr. Spooner is a graduate of the North Dakota State University in Fargo.

In partnership with CR Associates and the Avera McKennan Midland campus, the Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) opened in Aberdeen, South Dakota on March 12. A ribbon cutting and dedication ceremony was held on Wednesday April 11 at 1:00 p.m. Veterans who would like to enroll should contact Janet Ficco at (605) 333-6828 or 1-800-316-8387 ext. 6846.

The first meeting of the Native American Veterans Advisory Council will be held on April 19 at 12:00 p.m. at the Sioux Falls Medical Center. For more information about this council, veterans should call Stan Christopherson at (605) 333-6828 or Art Honomichl at (605) 333-6071.

Sioux Falls VAM&ROC will honor 457 volunteers who have donated 61,477 hours during the past fiscal year on May 9, 2001 at the VFW.

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