Town of North Hempstead offers Influenza and Pneumococcal Vaccination Program

Immediate Release -Contact: David Chauvin - October 7, 2005 (516) 869-7794

Manhasset, NY- Town of North Hempstead Supervisor Jon Kaiman and Councilman Angelo Ferrara announced today that the Town, in conjunction with the North Shore-Long Island Jewish Health System, is once again offering its annual influenza and pneumococcal vaccination program. The programs will take place on Tuesday, November 15, 2005, 10 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and Thursday, November 17, 2005, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Clinton Martin Park of New Hyde Park.

“In an effort to protect residents from both the flu and pneumonia, the Town will be providing an influenza and pneumococcal vaccination program,” said Supervisor Kaiman. “Group vaccinations are the most effective method in reducing illness from influenza and pneumonia. I encourage all residents especially our senior citizens to come to the park and stay healthy this winter.”

Particulars of the vaccination program include:

• Medicare Part B: 65 years of age and over; no fee with Medicare Card and completed Medicare Form. The Medicare form will be provided.
• Non-Medicare: 60-64 years of age; no fee with proof of age.
• All others: 21-59 years of age; fee of $20.00 for influenza vaccine and $25.00 for pneumococcal vaccine.

Pneumococcal disease is a serious illness that is known to kill more people in the United States every year than all other vaccine-preventable diseases combines. Anyone can get the pneumococcal disease. However, some people are at a greater risk including people of 65 and older, the very young, and people with special health problems such as alcoholism, heart or lung disease, kidney failure, diabetes, HIV infection, and certain types of cancer. Pneumococcal disease can lead to serious infections of the lungs (pneumonia), the blood (bacteremia), and the covering of the brain (meningitis).

Influenza otherwise known as the flu is a very contagious disease that can cause a fever, cough, sore throat, headache, chills, muscle aches, and fatigue. Influenza can lead to pneumonia and kills about 36,000 people each year in the United States. People at high risk for complications from influenza are children from 6-23 months of age, people 65 years of age and older, people with long-term health problems and weakened immune system.

“Residents should take advantage of this great program and come down to protect themselves from getting sick this winter,” commented Councilman Ferrara. “However, residents cannot take the vaccine if they are allergic to eggs, egg products, chicken or chicken feathers; have a cold, fever, cough or do no feel well; currently taking antibiotics; or if they are pregnant.”

For further information and to register for the Town of North Hempstead Influenza and pneumococcal Program, residents should contact the Department of Community Services at (516) 869-7715 or log onto the Town’s website at www.northhempsteadny.gov.