December 27, 2005

Not Too Late To Have Flu Shots

With the pharmaceutical companies releasing additional flu vaccine, the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that it is not too late to get a flu shot.  If you have not received a flu shot and would like to get one, contact your doctors or health care providers since they will now be able to order additional vaccine.

 “In Nassau County we continue to hear some residents say they have not been able to get vaccinated or that it is too late in the season for vaccination,” said Dr. David Ackman, Commissioner of Health. “Typically, flu season peaks in February and continues into early spring.  We encourage those residents aged 50 and over and those who care for, or live with, the high priority groups to ask their health care providers for the protection the flu vaccine offers.”

Nassau County recommends vaccine for all residents, ages 50 and over, and household contacts and caretakers of all individuals in the high priority groups. This recommendation is in keeping with the revised guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the New York State Department of Health.    Influenza vaccine is recommended for:

• All persons aged 50 years and older
• Residents of long-term care facilities
• Persons aged 2-49years with medical conditions that put them at risk for complications of the flu
• Children aged 6-23 months
• Pregnant women
• Health care workers
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers to all the above groups
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children under 6 months of age