Corbin: 'It's Not Too Late for Flu Shots'

Nassau County Legislator Roger Corbin (D-Westbury) and the Nassau County Department of Health are reminding individuals who have not been vaccinated for influenza (flu) that it's NOT too late to get their annual shot. Influenza is widespread in New York and has been increasing over the past few weeks. This year, health care providers have ample supplies of flu vaccine.

Flu poses a serious health concern that is preventable, especially for the very young, the elderly and anyone with a chronic medical condition. Each year about 36,000 people die and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized in the United States due to complications from influenza. Immunity against the flu develops two weeks after vaccination and provides protection for the rest of the flu season. During the last few seasons, influenza activity peaked in late February or early March, and continued into May.

Anyone who wants to reduce their risk of the flu should get vaccinated, especially those who are at high risk for complications from the flu or who live with or care for those at high risk, including:

• Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday
• Pregnant women
• People 50 years of age and older
• People with certain chronic medical conditions
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities
• Household contacts of those persons listed above
• Household contacts and out-of-home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated)
• Healthcare workers

            In addition to having a flu shot, there are additional ways to protect from colds or the flu:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw out the tissue
• Wash hands often with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand cleaner, especially after coughing or sneezing
• Stay away from people that are sick
• If you get the flu, stay home from work or school.
• Try not to touch your eyes, nose or mouth as germs often spread this way.

For additional information about the flu, call the Nassau County Department of Health weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. at 571-1680 or visit our website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health.