FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 25, 2005

MORE FLU VACCINE ARRIVES IN WESTCHESTER AS ELIGIBILITY GUIDELINES FOR VACCINATION ARE EXPANDED TO INCLUDE ALL RESIDENTS

Healthcare Facilities Interested in Receiving Vaccine Urged to Contact the Health Department

The Westchester County Department of Health has just received an additional 13,600 doses of flu vaccine which it is in the process of distributing directly to physicians, hospitals and healthcare facilities countywide. In addition, New York State has broadened the criteria for those eligible to receive flu vaccination and the county has followed suit by expanding the eligibility guidelines to include all residents who would like to receive the flu shot. While the eligibility criteria have been expanded, it is important to note that individuals with contraindications for receiving flu vaccine should still abstain from getting a flu shot.

“This newly acquired supply of flu vaccine is being provided to physicians, hospitals and healthcare facilities that were recently surveyed and had identified a need for flu vaccine for their patients,” said Dr. Joshua Lipsman, Westchester County Health Commissioner. “Additional healthcare facilities or physicians that are interested in obtaining flu vaccine from the health department may put in a request by calling our flu hotline at (914) 813-5609, Monday – Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.,” he added.

Residents seeking a flu shot should contact their private physicians to determine whether flu vaccine is available from them. As the flu season has not yet peaked, it is not too late to receive a flu vaccine. Up-to-date information on flu vaccine availability will continue to be made available through the Health Department’s 24-hour Flu Information Line at 813-5609 and the Health Department’s website, www.westchestergov.com/health.

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; MORE

More Flu Vaccine P.2

have an acute illness with fever or serious breathing difficulties.

In addition to flu vaccination, there are several behavioral practices helpful in preventing the spread of flu. These practices can be summarized in “Four C’s”:

1. Contact: Avoid close contact with people who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from

others to prevent them from getting sick. Equally important is avoiding contact with your eyes, nose and mouth since the virus spreads by entering the mucous membranes in these areas.

2. Contain: If you are sick, stay home from work, school or public areas. By doing so, you will help to prevent others from getting sick.

3. Cover: Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough to protect others from getting sick. Since you may be contagious even before you realize you are sick, it is important to make this habit routine.

4. Clean: Clean your hands in hot soapy water often. Hand washing is one of the most effective, yet overlooked ways of preventing the spread of illness.

All these steps are simple and effective, but hand washing is of the utmost importance. Through its W.A.S.H. Up Westchester Campaign initiated last summer, the Westchester County Health Department helps spread the word about the effectiveness of hand washing in protecting against influenza and other communicable diseases.

“I encourage individuals, workplaces, schools, and other agencies to join our campaign. Visit our website, www.westchestergov.com/health to download our Handwashing Kit and get started!” Dr. Lipsman said.

The correct way to wash your hands is as follows:

1) First wet your hands and apply liquid or clean bar soap. Keep the bar soap on a rack that allows it to drain.

2) Next rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces.

3) Continue for 20 seconds. Tell kids to wash as long as it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. It is soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.

4) Rinse well and dry your hands.

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