DUE TO VACCINE SHORTAGE SENIOR CITIZEN PROGRAM HAS BEEN TEMPORARILY POSTPONED

In recognition of Adult Immunization Week (September 26-October 2nd), the Nassau County Department of Health reminds residents that the best way to protect themselves and their families from the flu and its complications is to get immunized every year. Immunization could prevent people from catching the flu or it could lessen the severity of the disease.Remember, individuals cannot get the flu from the flu shot. The following are persons who are at highest risk or who can transmit influenza to those at highest risk and should be immunized. They include:

• People aged 65 and olderAdults and children with chronic cardiovascular and pulmonary disorders, including asthmaAdults and children with chronic metabolic diseases, including diabetes, renal dysfunction and weakened immune systemsChildren and teenagers receiving long-term aspirin therapyResidents and staff of nursing homes and chronic care facilitiesHealth care workers with direct patient contactPregnant women with underlying medical conditionsAll women who will be pregnant during flu season
• All children aged 6 – 23 months

In addition, certain individuals who are at increased risk or who can transmit influenza to those at increased risk for serious influenza-related complications also should receive flu vaccine:

• All adults aged 50 – 64 yearsPeople (including children) living in a home with individuals at high risk for complications of influenzaPeople living in a home with, and care-givers of, children under 2 years of age, especially those who are caregivers of children under age 6 monthsEmployees of health care facilities who do not have direct patient contact
• Other people who perform essential community services

All other adults and children age two years and older, who want to reduce their likelihood of becoming ill with flu should contact their health care providers to obtain vaccine.For healthy people aged 5-49 years, a live, attenuated influenza nasal spray vaccine is available as an alternative to the standard injection of inactivated influenza vaccine. If individuals are interested, they should consult their health care providers to obtain the nasal spray vaccine.