Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi recently announced that beginning on October 22, the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs and the Nassau University Medical Center are mounting their major annual campaign against influenza by offering immunizations to older persons. Sites will be open to all persons age 60 and over and to 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 program," said Suozzi, "involves no out-of-pocket expense to the senior. We are pleased to partner with local municipalities, hospitals, school districts, libraries, senior centers, religious organizations 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."

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 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, 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 influenza and in minimizing the symptoms for those who do catch it."

Special efforts are being taken to reach minority senior citizens who suffer disproportionately from many diseases which may put them at greater risk for complications. Multiple sites have been established in communities with a high percentage of minority elderly in an effort to remove some of the obstacles to their participation in the program and eliminate some of the health disparities that have been identified. The Nassau County Influenza Immunization Program has been responsible for immunizing vulnerable seniors since 1979. It was initiated by the Department of Senior Citizen Affairs in the Long Beach area in conjunction with the American Red Cross and the Department of Health, and served 300 seniors the first year. This year's program will utilize more than 80 different sites and is expected to provide immunizations to 20,000 senior citizens.

Pre-registration is required at all sites. If a site has reached maximum enrollment, information about an alternate location may be obtained by calling 227-8967 after September 15.

Flu vaccinations are available at Shepherd Hill House, located at 115 Central Par Road in Plainview on Nov. 20 from 2 - 5 p.m. Registration is required by calling 797-7940 Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. starting Oct. 1.

Also, Oyster Bay Town Supervisor John Venditto announced that the Town, in conjunction with the Nassau County Departments of Senior Citizen Affairs and the Nassau Health Care Corporation, is offering both flu and pneumonia immunization, with no out-of-pocket expense, to town senior citizens 60 years of age and older.

"It's the time of year when we must begin preparing for winter months ahead," Venditto said. "Cold temperatures and icy winds bring flu season into our area each year without fail. Unfortunately, senior citizens are particularly vulnerable to the flu's sometimes devastating effects. In an effort to protect them from both the flu and pneumonia, the town will, once again, be providing flu and pneumonia shots at no out-of-pocket expense to our senior citizens."

"In order to take advantage of this important program, seniors must register in advance," Venditto stated. "Registration forms are available at all Town of Oyster Bay Senior Club meeting locations, at Town Hall North (54 Audrey Avenue in Oyster Bay), Town Hall South (977 Hicksville Road in Massapequa), and in local libraries. If you would like one mailed to you, contact the Department of Community and Youth Services, Senior Citizen Services Division, at 797-7940. A copy can also be obtained from the Town's website, www.oysterbaytown.com. They must be returned to the Department of Community and Youth Services by Friday, October 10."

Venditto noted that for further information about the Town of Oyster Bay Flu and Pneumonia Immunization Program, senior residents should contact the Department of Community and Youth Services, Senior Citizen Services Division, at 797-7940.