news release
ANDREW J. SPANO, Westchester County Executive JOSHUA LIPSMAN, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health SUSAN TOLCHIN, Director of Communications

CONTACT: SUSAN TOLCHIN (914) 995-2932

MARY LANDRIGAN (914) 813-5013

(914) 813-5000 (After Hours)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 2004

TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOTS

A reminder from the Westchester County Department of Health

With the winter season approaching, the Westchester County Department of Health reminds residents to protect themselves and their loved ones from influenza this year by getting a flu shot.

The Health Department has scheduled 42 Flu Clinics throughout Westchester County to be held between October 6 and November 19. Residents should call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000 for information on dates and locations of the clinics that are most convenient for them. They then will need to call the clinic site of their choice to make an appointment. Appointments are necessary to ensure that sufficient vaccine is available at the site. For those with Medicare Part B or Aetna US Healthcare Medicare coverage, there is no charge for the vaccines. For others, the cost of the vaccines is $15 for the flu shot and $20 for the pneumococcal.

"The flu season typically runs from October to April and the earlier you get a flu shot the better," said Joshua Lipsman, M.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester County. "Vaccination is particularly important for those over 50 years of age and for children from 6 months to 23 months old, but most people can benefit from the protection.”

The Health Department Flu Clinics will provide flu shots to Westchester residents over 50 years of age or for those in specific high-risk categories, which include those persons over 18 years of age with chronic heart or lung conditions, diabetes, or compromised immune systems. Caregivers (including healthcare workers) of high-risk patients and pregnant women 18 years of age or older are also eligible to receive vaccinations at the flu clinics. Persons less than 18 years old should receive the flu vaccine from their primary care provider.
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The following groups of people should consult their primary care provider prior to receiving the flu shot. These include people who:

¨ are allergic to eggs;

¨ have a history of a serious reaction to the flu vaccine in the past (i.e. fever, rash or breathing difficulties.);

¨ have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome, a neurological illness following viral infections or have a chronic neurological illness;

¨ have an acute illness with fever or serious breathing difficulties.

Pneumococcal vaccinations will also be available at the Flu Clinics for persons over 65 years of age. Those between the ages of 18 and 65 years of age who have a chronic medical condition may be able to get a pneumococcal vaccine if they have a prescription from their primary care provider.

“Pneumococcal disease results in up to 40,000 deaths and 175,000 hospitalizations in this country each year,” said Dr. Lipsman. “About half of those deaths could be prevented by a single vaccination.”

For those 65 years of age and older, a single pneumococcal vaccine usually offers protection for life. For those receiving their first pneumococcal vaccine at a younger age, a booster shot may be required after 5 years.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting this year’s flu vaccine is a good match for most strains of influenza currently circulating in the United States. The 2004-2005 season vaccine is prepared for the A/Fujian, A/New Caledonia and B/Shanghai strains of influenza. The strains circulating vary from year to year, making annual vaccination necessary for protection. The flu vaccine takes 1-2 weeks to take effect and offers protection throughout the entire usual season.

For more information, please call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health

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