January 15, 2010

flu

Nassau County Bringing H1N1 Vaccines to Senior Citizen Sites

Nassau County is expanding H1N1 vaccination sites and will be offering H1N1 vaccines at Nassau County Senior Citizen sites.  Health care professionals from the Department of Health have teamed with staff from the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs in their continuing effort to vaccinate the public against H1N1 influenza.

In addition to the priority groups first recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, now the general population can get vaccinated.  “Our goal is to vaccinate all residents against H1N1 flu and this partnership will provide our seniors with as much access to vaccine as possible and help protect each and every resident of Nassau County,” said County Executive Edward Managano.

Since influenza illness is unpredictable and we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of H1N1 influenza, I urge all seniors to get vaccinated. This vaccine is the best way to protect against the H1N1 virus, said Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Torroella Carney.

Even though people 65 and older are less likely to be infected with 2009 H1N1 influenza, those that do become infected are at greater risk of having serious complications from their illness and there have been severe infections and deaths in every age group, including older people. People 65 years and older are now encouraged to seek vaccination against 2009 H1N1. Influenza is expected to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses. This vaccine is the best way to protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus.

The vaccine will be available at the following Senior Centers:

Tuesday – January 19, 2010 – 11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Glen Cove Senior Center, 130 Glen Street, Glen Cove 11542

Wednesday – January 20, 2010 – 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Oyster Bay Senior Center at Doubleday Babcock Senior Center, 40 East Main Street, Oyster Bay 11771

Thursday – January 21, 2010 – 10:00 am to 1:00 pm

Long Beach Senior Center at Temple Beth-El, 570 West Walnut Street, Long Beach, 11561

Monday – January 25, 2020 – 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Great Neck Senior Center, 80 Grace Avenue, Great Neck 11021

Nassau County residents who would like additional information on H1N1 vaccination locations may call the Nassau County Department of Health H1N1 Call Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm at 1.888.684.4271 or visit the Health Department website at:

http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html.