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

MARY LANDRIGAN

(914) 813-5000 (After Hours)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 6, 2004

FLU VACCINE SHORTAGE

Flu Vaccine Available for High Risk Groups from Some Physicians, Hospitals, Health Department

In response to flu vaccine supply shortage, the Westchester County Department of Health is asking for the help of the public and health care providers in getting the available flu vaccine to those at highest risk of complications from the flu.

“We must focus our efforts on vaccinating people who are at highest risk of complications from the flu at this time,” stated Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Commissioner of Health. “There is enough vaccine at this time to begin to accomplish this task, as long as healthy people defer getting their flu shots until and if additional supplies become available,” he noted.

Based on recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Health Department is asking that available flu vaccine be prioritized for the following high-risk individuals:

• all children aged 6–23 months,
• adults aged ≥65 years,
• persons aged ≥2–64 years with underlying chronic medical conditions,
• all women who will be pregnant during influenza season,
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities,
• children 6 months-18 years of age on chronic aspirin therapy,
• health-care workers with direct patient care, and
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged <6 months.

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Persons in the following groups should not receive influenza vaccine before talking with their doctor:

· persons with a severe allergy to eggs and

· persons who previously had onset of Guillain-Barré syndrome within 6 weeks of receiving influenza vaccine.

The Health Department also reminds residents that there are ways they can improve their chances of avoiding the flu:

· Avoid close contact with people who have respiratory infections and colds;

· Stay home from work or school when you’re sick;

· Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue;

· Wash your hands or use an alcohol-based hand gel frequently and especially after touching your nose or mouth;

· Adopt good handwashing practices at home and at work. (Visit www.westchestergov.com/health to download the Health Department’s Handwashing Kit to help you get started.)

For more information, contact the Westchester County Department of Health at (914)-813-5000 or visit our website at www.westchestergov.com/health. Additional information is also available at http://www.cdc.gov/flu

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