November 22, 2006

STILL TIME TO HAVE FLU SHOTS
National Influenza Vaccination Week Nov. 27th – Dec. 3rd

“There is still plenty of time this season for flu 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. This year there is a record supply of vaccine, so no one should have difficulty getting a flu shot.”

More than 200,000 people are hospitalized from influenza complications each year in the United States, and about 36,000 people die from it. Vaccination is the best way to prevent the flu and its severe complications. Anyone who wants to reduce their risk for getting influenza should be vaccination each year.

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 2-49 years with medical conditions that put them at risk for complications of the flu
• Children aged 6-59 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
• In addition, everyone else who wants to reduce their risk of getting influenza.