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

CONTACT:

MARY LANDRIGAN

(HEALTH PIO) (914) 813-5000 (After Hours)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 8, 2004

FLU INFO-LINE

Westchester responds to the national flu vaccine shortage with up-to-date information

In response to the nationwide flu vaccine supply shortage, the Westchester County Department of Health is providing a round-the-clock recorded “Flu Info” at (914) 813-5609 to help keep Westchester residents informed about the current availability of flu vaccine and other ways people can protect themselves against the flu.

“Although Westchester County is feeling the effects of the nationwide shortage of flu vaccine, caused by the inability of one of the two major flu manufacturers to distribute their vaccine this year, we are working to assure that the available vaccine goes to high-risk residents,” stated Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Commissioner of Health. “We are asking members of the public who do not fit the high risk categories to refrain from getting the flu shot at this time, until high-risk residents receive their shots. We are also aware that many high-risk residents are having difficulty finding flu vaccine. We are working with state and federal officials to help find ways of solving this problem,” he continued. “ As of this date, all of the appointments in Health Department clinics are filled. However, people who are interested in obtaining flu shots may call (914) 813-5609 for up-to-date information as new information becomes 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.

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 during the 6 weeks after 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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