Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi, joined by Senior Citizen Affairs Commissioner Sharon Mullon and Department of Health Commissioner Dr. David Ackman, announced that on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Yours Ours Mine Community Center/Levittown SCSC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Levittown Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Nassau County, with the help of the Nassau University Medical Center, will be mounting its major annual campaign against influenza. The program offers flu immunization to all senior citizens age 60 and over. All locations will also offer the pneumonia vaccine to persons 65 and older.

The immunization program, which involves no out-of-pocket expense to the senior, is offered in partnership with local municipalities, hospitals, school districts, libraries, senior centers, religious organizations and community agencies. "Many convenient, easily accessible immunization locations are provided throughout the County," said Suozzi. "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 illness such as bronchitis and pneumonia. "Senior citizens are particularly at high risk for contracting the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications," explained Commissioner Mullon. "Each year, the flu kills approximately 36,000 people, a majority of whom are age 65 and over. Immunization is a highly successful in preventing the flu and in minimizing the symptoms for those who do catch it."

This year special efforts are being taken to reach minority senior citizens. Immunization rates among African Americans are significantly lower than in other groups. The Health Department, in collaboration with I.P.R.O., sent a letter to all Nassau County internists and family practitioners urging them to vaccinate their patients. 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 health of the people of Nassau County should be everyone's concern. The Nassau Health Care Corporation is happy to participate in helping to provide the vaccine program for the residents of Nassau County," said Richard Turan, President/CEO, Nassau Health Care Corporation.

The Nassau County Flu Immunization program has been responsible for immunizing vulnerable seniors since 1979. It was initiated by the Department of Senior Citizens 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 60 different sites and is expected to provide immunizations to more than 20,000 senior citizens.

Pre-registration is required at all sites. To register please call the Nassau County Flu Line at 571-1627 or pre-register in person at the Yours Ours Mine Community Center. Residents of Levittown, Hicksville, Bethpage, or surrounding areas are encouraged to go to:

Yours Ours Mine Community Center

Levittown SCSC

152 Center Lane

Levittown 11756

Levittown Senior Center

555 North Newbridge Road

Levittown, NY 11756

The program will be available on Thursday, Oct. 30 at the Yours Ours Mine Community Center from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and on Wednesday, Dec. 3 at the Levittown Senior Center from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.