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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 311-03
October 30, 2003

MAYOR BLOOMBERG URGES NEW YORKERS TO GET THEIR FLU VACCINATION EARLY IN THE SEASON

Mayor Receives Flu Shot; Vaccine Now Available to All New Yorkers

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg today received a flu shot and urged New Yorkers over the age of 50 or those with underlying medical conditions to get flu shots as soon as possible.  The Mayor was joined by Dr. Thomas Frieden, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Health (DOHMH), Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) President Dr. Benjamin Chu, Department for the Aging (DFTA) Commissioner Edwin Méndez-Santiago and Carol Raphael, President and CEO of the Visiting Nurse Service (VNS).  The event took place at Sunnyside Senior Center in Queens.

“Last year, more than 2,000 New Yorkers died from the flu,” said Mayor Bloomberg.  Sadly, these deaths could have been prevented by a simple flu shot.  Now is the time for all New Yorkers to get a flu shot.  The flu shot is particularly important for those over the age of 50, or individuals with underlying medical conditions.  The vaccine is also available to those who are uninsured either at public hospitals or Health Department clinics.   Take the time to get a flu shot, and protect yourself and your loved ones from this serious illness.  To find out where to get a flu shot, call 311.”

“Only two-thirds of New Yorkers over age 65, a group among those at highest risk for serious complications from the flu-received a flu shot last year,” said Commissioner Frieden. “Elderly persons, as well as those with asthma, diabetes and the immune compromised, who get a flu shot reduce their risk for preventable hospitalizations and illness.  Significant racial disparities remain among those 65 and older who get vaccinated, with only about 50% of African-Americans, compared to 67% of whites; both well short of the target rate of 90%.   To locate flu vaccine providers, visit www.nyc.gov/health/flu.” 

“As the flu season approaches, we share the concerns for older New Yorkers,” said Dr. Chu.  “We are committed to vaccinating them early to help ward off this serious health threat. We are working in partnership with the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and the Department for the Aging and flu shots are available in our hospitals and clinics citywide.”

“Early reports indicate that the flu season ahead will be very difficult,” said Commissioner Méndez-Santiago.  “The best defense is to get your flu shot and to get it early. I urge all older New Yorkers and those who care for them to get flu shots immediately and not wait until later in the season.”

“Along with several City agencies, the Visiting Nurse Service is committed to vaccinating seniors throughout the flu season by offering flu shots at senior centers throughout the City,” said Carol Raphael. “We hope that all older New Yorkers will take this important step to protect their health.”   

This season, the Health Department’s flu campaign, “Don’t Let the Flu Spoil Your Fun,” is appearing on billboards and buses, and as well as in radio advertisements.  The ads informs New Yorkers that influenza disproportionately affects older adults, with flu ranking as the third leading cause of death for individuals 75 years of age and older. 

Flu “season” lasts from October through April.  The optimal time to get a flu shot is in October or November.   A new flu vaccine is needed each year.  The flu virus changes rapidly each flu season, so last year’s vaccination is ineffective against this year’s flu.   This year’s vaccine targets A/Panama/2007/99 (H3N2) (an A/Moscow/10/99-like virus), A/New Caledonia/20/99 (H1N1) and B/Hong Kong/330/2001-like virus strain. 

Who Should Get the Flu Shot

Almost everyone can benefit from getting a flu shot.  Certain individuals are at high risk for the flu and should always get a flu shot.  High-risk groups include:

  • All people age 50 and up, and especially those over age 65
  • Residents of nursing homes and other long-term-care facilities
  • Pregnant women in their second or third trimester
  • All persons with long-term health problems, such as:
    • Diabetes
    • Lung disease, including asthma
    • Heart disease
    • Kidney disease
    • Sickle cell anemia
    • Immune system problems  (including people with HIV/AIDS, those being treated for cancer, and people taking high-dose steroids)
    • Children and teenagers (6 months to 18 years old) on long-term aspirin therapy
  • All children 6-23 months of age
  • Health-care workers and employees of nursing homes and long-term-care facilities
  • All close contacts of the elderly and those with long-term health problems

Who Should NOT Get the Flu Shot

While rare, some individuals have severe reactions and should not receive flu shot. Individuals who have had a serious reaction to a previous flu shot or anyone with a severe allergy to eggs should NOT receive the flu shot. 

Pneumococcal Vaccine

Because persons at high risk for the flu are also generally at high risk for contracting pneumonia, everyone 65 and older, as well as those with a chronic illness or compromised immune system, should also get a pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine.  This vaccine prevents against pneumococcal disease, which often leads to pneumonia, a serious complication of the flu.  A single re-vaccination is recommended after 5 years for those with a compromised immune system or people vaccinated before age 65 who are currently over 65.  Individuals can get the pneumococccal vaccine at the same time as the influenza vaccine. 

Where to Get the Flu Shot

New Yorkers can get the flu vaccine from their family doctor or primary-care provider. There are also several sites throughout all five boroughs offering vaccinations at no cost or low cost to those in need.  Public hospitals and clinics, as well as senior citizen centers throughout the City offer the vaccination.  Additionally, DOHMH walk-in immunization clinics in six locations citywide are available to administer the vaccine. 

For information about influenza and pneumococcal vaccination and locations, call 311, or visit nyc.gov/health/flu to access DOHMH’s Flu Vaccine Locator, which directs New Yorkers to locations in their area offering the vaccine. 







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958

Sandra Mullin   (DOHMH)
(212) 788-5290

Andria Cimino   (DFTA)
(212) 442-1110




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