Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced that beginning on October 17, the Nassau County Departments of Senior Citizen Affairs and Health and the Nassau University Medical Center are mounting their major annual campaign against influenza by offering immunizations to older persons. For the first week of the program, October 17 through October 23, influenza immunizations will only be available to persons who are:

• Age 65 and older;
• Age 60 to 64 who have an underlying health condition such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes that puts them at high risk for severe complications from the disease (note - medical certification is advisable); or
• A resident of a long term care facility.

As of October 24, sites will be open to all persons age 60 and over and to their spouses. Many locations will also offer the pneumonia vaccine to persons 65 and older who are considered more vulnerable and in need of this extra protection.

This program, which involves no out-of-pocket expense to the senior, is offered in partnership with local municipalities, hospitals, school districts, libraries, senior centers, religious organizations and community agencies. “Many convenient, easily accessible immunization locations are provided throughout the county,” said Mr. Suozzi, “and we strongly encourage Nassau County senior citizens to avail themselves of this important disease prevention program.”

Influenza can lower one’s resistance to infections and lead to debilitating illnesses such as bronchitis and pneumonia. “Senior citizens are particularly at high risk for contracting influenza and are more likely to suffer serious complications,” explained the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs’ Commissioner, Sharon Mullon, D. Min. “Each year, influenza kills more than 20,000 persons, a majority of whom are age 65 and over. Immunization provided by the vaccine is highly successful in preventing influenza and in minimizing the symptoms for those who do catch it.”

Special efforts are being taken to reach minority senior citizens who suffer disproportionately from many diseases which may put them at greater risk for complications. Multiple sites have been established in communities with a high percentage of minority elderly in an effort to remove some of the obstacles to their participation in the program and eliminate some of the health disparities that have been identified. The Nassau County Influenza Immunization Program has been responsible for immunizing vulnerable seniors since 1979. It was initiated by the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs in the Long Beach area in conjunction with the American Red Cross and the Department of Health, and served 300 seniors the first year. This year's program will utilize more than 70 different sites and is expected to provide immunizations to 20,000 senior citizens.

Pre-registration is required at all sites. Information and registration procedures for the influenza immunization site serving each community follows. If a site has reached maximum enrollment, information about an alternate location may be obtained by calling 227-8967 after September 19.

A list of community-based sites follows:

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Nassau County Influenza Immunization Schedule(.pdf file - 8 pages)
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