Release #412-00

 

Contact:	Michael Anton/ Lynn Rasic (212) 788-2958
	Sandra Mullin/ Erich Giebelhaus (Health Department) (212) 788-5290

MAYOR GIULIANI URGES ELDERLY AND AT-RISK NEW YORKERS
TO GET FLU AND PNEUMONIA SHOTS

Telephone Information Line and Website to Inform New Yorkers Where to Get Flu Shot

Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today urged New Yorkers, particularly those at high risk for developing complications from influenza, to get vaccinated against the flu. In addition, Mayor Giuliani announced the development of two innovative new ways for New Yorkers to obtain information on flu vaccinations this year. The City's new toll-free Flu Information Line, 1-866-FLU-LINE (1-866-358-5463), and a new section of the City's website (nyc.gov/health) provide up-to-date information on where individuals at high risk of developing medical complications from the flu can get vaccinated free of charge at locations throughout the City.

Joining the Mayor for the announcement at the Ridgewood Senior Center in Queens were Health Commissioner Neal L. Cohen, M.D., Health and Hospitals Corporation President Luis R. Marcos, M.D., Department for the Aging Commissioner Herbert W. Stupp, and President and Chief Executive Officer of the Visiting Nurse Service of New York Carol Raphael.

"I encourage all New Yorkers, particularly those aged 65 and above, to protect themselves from the flu and pneumonia this year by getting their shots," Mayor Giuliani said. "Although the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have announced that there will be a nationwide delay in the delivery of some of this year's flu vaccine shipments, be aware that NYC Health Department clinics, senior centers, Health and Hospitals Corporation facilities, and other sites across New York City do have flu vaccine available."

"This year, the City has developed new ways for people to obtain information about the availability of flu shots," the Mayor continued. "Individuals with questions about flu shot availability can contact the Health Department's new toll-free flu information line at 1-866-FLU-LINE (866-358-5463), or visit a new section of the Health Department's website at nyc.gov/health for vaccination locations and other relevant information."

Where to Get the Flu Shot

The Health Department, in partnership with the Department for the Aging and the Visiting Nurse Service of New York, is immunizing older New Yorkers at senior centers throughout the City from October through mid-December. Beginning November 1, The Health Department will also offer free immunizations at its walk-in clinics located in all five boroughs for the duration of the flu season. In addition, the Health and Hospitals Corporation will also offer free flu shots at their hospitals and Communicare clinic sites.

"Older people are especially vulnerable during flu season," Commissioner Stupp said. "The Department for the Aging wants to encourage seniors to protect their health by getting immunized. That's why we are making it easy for them to get flu shots at more than 200 senior centers and other sites throughout the five boroughs."

"The Visiting Nurse Service of New York is pleased to work with the City of New York and senior centers across New York City to help distribute flu and pneumonia vaccine to those in need," President Raphael said. "Working together, we can help ensure that individuals at high risk from flu and pneumonia are protected against these diseases."

"I am pleased that Health and Hospitals Corporation facilities are joining this important initiative to reach those who stand to benefit most from the flu vaccination," Dr. Marcos said. "We have traditionally seen lower vaccination rates in minority communities across New York City, making it particularly important for our outreach efforts to reach these groups."

Those Most At Risk

"For those most at risk for flu complications, getting shots early in the flu and pneumonia season is prudent because the flu shot takes about one week to become fully effective, and the pneumonia shot takes somewhat longer," Dr. Cohen said. "While most people who get sick with the flu recover fully, influenza or the pneumonia that often follows it together rank among the leading causes of death in New York City, particularly among persons aged 65 and older. In 1999, 2,474 New Yorkers died of influenza or pneumonia. Certain people should consult with their physicians before getting a flu shot, however, including those who are allergic to eggs, women who might be pregnant, anyone with a high fever, and those who have had Guillain-Barre Syndrome."

Persons at high risk for serious influenza infection include: anyone aged 65 or older; nursing home and chronic care facility residents; individuals with heart, circulatory, lung or kidney problems (including renal failure and asthma), diabetes, other metabolic disease, cystic fibrosis or hemoglobin abnormalities (including "low blood"); people with lowered resistance to infection because of cancer, medical treatment, or immune system disease (including HIV); and children up to age 18 who are on long-term aspirin therapy. Children who have the flu should not be given aspirin because they could be at risk for developing Reyes Syndrome, a serious illness. Aspirin substitutes, like acetaminophen, may be given instead.

Persons at high risk from pneumonia are also at high risk from the flu. Therefore, people at high risk for flu should also consider getting the pneumonia shot. The pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccine, unlike the flu shot, usually confers long-term protection, and does not need to be repeated annually. It begins to protect against a wide variety of pneumococcal bacteria two to three weeks after it is administered.

Influenza Symptoms

For each year's flu season, a new flu vaccine is needed because flu viruses rapidly change in form as they circulate worldwide, making the previous year's vaccine obsolete. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identifies the most likely forms of the flu virus to be seen commonly in the United States each year. This year's influenza vaccine targets New Caledonia A, Panama A, and Yamanashi B viruses.

"Influenza commonly causes several days of high fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, and muscle aches," Dr. Cohen said. "People with the flu should drink plenty of liquids, rest, and contact a doctor if they feel very ill or do not feel better after a few days. While we cannot get rid of flu or pneumonia, the effects of these illnesses can be reduced significantly through the immunization of as many high-risk individuals as possible."

Recommendation from CDC for those Aged 50-64 Years to be Vaccinated

"Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lowered their age recommendation for flu shots from 65 to 50," said Dr. Cohen. "While New Yorkers over 50 are encouraged to be immunized, healthy New Yorkers aged 50 to 64 are encouraged to wait until the end of November, when more vaccine will be available. It is best to be vaccinated by your regular health care provider, but if your provider does not yet have vaccine, the Health Department's new Flu Information Line and website information can help you locate a facility that can provide the vaccine to you."

www.nyc.gov