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 currently available at numerous sites throughout the County
through November 17th. 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 combating three different strains of influenza -
A/Beijing/262/95-like (H1N1), A/Sydney/5/97-like (H3N2), and Beijing/184/93-like. The
influenza season generally occurs between October and April of each year. The flu vaccine
takes 1-2 weeks to take effect and will offer protection throughout the entire season.
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 also 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;
-have
an acute febrile illness.
For more information about influenza, or flu clinic dates and sites, residents can call
the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000.
