Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi has announced the start of the County Seasonal Influenza Immunization Program for older adults. Beginning October 7th, accessible community sites will be open to County residents age 60 and over and 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 annual senior citizens campaign against seasonal influenza is being coordinated by the Departments of Senior Citizen Affairs and Health in cooperation with community partners.

Mr. Suozzi stated, “We are pleased to team up with hospitals and community agencies to provide many convenient, easily accessible immunization locations throughout the county. We strongly encourage Nassau County senior citizens to avail themselves of this important disease prevention program. Seniors may go to any participating site in the County for their seasonal influenza immunization.”

Seasonal 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 seasonal influenza and are more likely to suffer serious complications,” explained the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs’ Commissioner, Sharon Mullon. “According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, seasonal influenza kills more than 36,000 persons each year, a majority of whom are age 65 and over. Immunization provided by the vaccine is highly successful in preventing seasonal influenza and in minimizing the symptoms for those who do catch it.”

Maria Torroella Carney, MD, FACP, Commissioner of Health, stated “getting a seasonal influenza shot each year is the best way to protect oneself from influenza and its complications. I urge all residents to get vaccinated against seasonal influenza to prevent illness”.

Information about seasonal influenza site locations can be obtained by calling 227-8967 after September 23.

In addition, for the benefit of all Nassau County residents, a listing of other convenient locations for people of all ages, as well as seniors, is available at the Nassau County Department of Health website, www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/health/ and the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs website, www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/seniors/.