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

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 18, 2006

IT’S TIME TO GET YOUR FLU SHOT!

Health Department begins its flu shot clinics in partnership with Senior Centers

With cold weather just around the corner, the Westchester County Health Department is reminding residents to get their annual flu shots to protect themselves and their loved ones from possible serious complications of the flu. Once again, through its annual partnership with senior centers countywide, the Health Department will provide flu shots for qualified residents in high-risk categories who are unable to receive flu shots from their own health care providers.

“Although the vast majority of flu shots in Westchester County are provided by health care providers, pharmacies, and at other commercial locations, the Health Department also traditionally offers flu shots through senior centers to help high-risk residents who use those centers to get their flu shots,” said Joshua Lipsman, M.D., J.D., M.P.H., Commissioner of Health for Westchester County.

Forty-five clinics have been scheduled at senior centers, places of worship, and other community-based organizations in 30 cities and towns throughout the County. Appointments are required and eligible residents should call the Health Department at (914) 813-5000 for dates and locations of the clinics. After choosing a convenient clinic, the caller will be referred to the clinic site to make an appointment. Flu clinics are open to County residents 18 years of age and older if they fall into one of the following categories:

§ anyone 50 years of age and older;

§ any adult with heart disease, chronic lung conditions, diabetes or compromised immune system;

§ pregnant women;

§ any adult who provides care for a person in one of the above categories;

§ health care workers who interact directly with patients.

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Flu Shots – Page 2

Persons less than 18 years old should receive the flu shot from their primary care providers.

Pneumococcal vaccinations are also available at the flu clinics for persons over 65 years of age. Persons 18 to 65 years of age with chronic medical conditions may also receive pneumococcal vaccination if they have prescriptions from their primary care providers.

“The flu season typically runs from October to April and the earlier you get a flu shot the better," said Dr. Lipsman. "Vaccination is particularly important for those over 50 years of age, those with certain chronic health conditions, pregnant women, and children aged 6 months to 59 months old. However, most people can benefit from the protection and probably should receive flu shots.”

Each year in the United States, approximately 36,000 people die and 200,000 more are hospitalized due to complications of flu. Pneumococcal disease results in up to 40,000 deaths and 175,000 hospitalizations each year. Annual flu shots are required because the types of flu in circulation each year changes and last year’s flu shot may not be effective against this year’s flu virus. On the other hand, a pneumococcal vaccination is good for many years, and often for life.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that 100 million doses of flu vaccine will be available this year – far more than ever before. However, the Health Department is encouraging residents to contact their primary health care providers early to schedule a flu shot.

“Ideally, a flu shot should be provided by someone familiar with your medical history,” said Dr. Lipsman. “There are some people who should speak with their health professionals prior to receiving flu shots.”

Such people include:

§ those who are allergic to eggs;

§ those with a history of a serious reaction to the flu vaccine (fever, rash or breathing difficulties);

§ those who have had Guillain-Barre syndrome or have a chronic neurological illness;

§ anyone with a fever or serious breathing difficulties.

Flu shots are usually covered in whole or part by most health insurance policies and by Medicare. For more information, please call the Westchester County Health Department at (914) 813-5000 or visit the Health Department website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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