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Harold N. Adel, MD, MPH Commissioner Department of Health |
Andrew
J. Spano |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 1998 Influenza Season |
FOR MORE INFORMATION Contact Mary Landrigan (914) 637-4715 |
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| The
Westchester County Department of Health reminds residents that the flu season is just
ahead of us. "All senior citizens, and others who may be at high risk of
complications if they get the flu, should protect themselves against this season's
influenza by receiving a "flu shot," stated Dr. Harold N. Adel, Commissioner of
Health for Westchester County.
Influenza vaccine is available at 44 sites throughout the County from September 25 through November 10. This year, pneumococcal vaccines are also being offered to residents 65 years of age and older. Flu shots are covered in full by Medicare; otherwise there is a $10.00 fee. Pneumococcal vaccines are also covered in full by Medicare; otherwise there is a $20.00 fee. For more information on clinic dates and sites, residents may call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000. The strain of influenza circulating and causing illness changes each year and therefore annual vaccination to protect against the current circulating strain is recommended. This year's influenza vaccine is aimed at combatting three different strains of influenza - A/Beijing, A/Sydney, and B/Harbin "The influenza season generally occurs between October and April of each year. Because the flu vaccine takes 1-2 weeks to take effect and will offer protection throughout the entire season, now is the best time to schedule your influenza immunizations, before the flu arrives in Westchester," said Dr. Adel. All senior citizens, people with heart and/or lung conditions who are at increased risk themselves for becoming more seriously ill from influenza, or people who have significant contact with such people should protect themselves against influenza. Influenza can have much more serious consequences than other viruses prevalent in fall and winter. Pneumococcal disease is spread by airborne or direct exposure to respiratory droplets of an infected person. The pneumococcus bacteria commonly causes serious pneumonia in older adults and can also lead to meningitis and a blood stream infection. Antibiotic resistant strains have developed. The vaccine usually needs to be administered only once in a person's lifetime, and it protects against almost all strains of pneumococcal bacteria that cause serious disease. Side effects of the vaccine, which can include a low-grade fever and local soreness, are minor and subside quickly. The Health Department's immunization program is geared toward protecting individuals at "high-risk" for becoming seriously ill with influenza and preventing the transmission of influenza to such individuals. "High-risk" individuals who should receive influenza vaccine include anyone over 65 years old; those with chronic diseases, such as heart or lung diseases, or diabetes, or compromised immune systems, regardless of age. People who are otherwise healthy but who may transmit influenza to such people should be vaccinated. This includes healthcare workers both in institutional and home care settings, and people living in the same household as individuals at high risk for serious illness with influenza. In addition, any person who wishes to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza is encouraged to receive the vaccine. Dr. Adel noted that some groups should consult their private physician before getting any flu vaccinations. These include people who:-are allergic to eggs -have a history of serious allergic condition or reaction to flu vaccine in the past (fever, rash, etc.); -have had previous attacks of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological illness following viral infections or other chronic neurological illnesses; -are pregnant (it is currently recommended that women in their second and third trimesters get a flu shot);-have an acute febrile illness. For more information on flu clinic dates and sites, residents can call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.
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