Manhasset's 15th annual Senior Flu Shot Program will be held on Saturday, Oct. 22 at the Manhasset Senior High gymnasium from 10 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 3 p.m.

Manhasset residents, 60 and over, and their spouses of any age are encouraged to take advantage of this community health opportunity. More than a dozen registered nurses, all Manhasset volunteers, administer the flu and/or pneumonia vaccine.

Pre-registration is required in order to assure an adequate supply of vaccine. Registration will begin on Wednesday, Oct. 12 and will continue on Thursday, Oct. 13, Friday, Oct. 14, Monday, Oct. 17 and Wednesday, Oct. 19 from 9:30 to noon.

The current library construction schedule will allow in-person registration to take place at the Manhasset Public Library on the dates and at the times above.

"This year we'd encourage seniors to register in person in the library if they are able," says volunteer Kate Dunn. "The county has provided a new registration form which will take a little more time to complete. Because of this change, there may be some delay in getting through to register by phone - although we've added an extra day of registration to compensate."

To register by phone (at the same dates and times listed above), call 365-2153.

This major senior community event is the result of close cooperation among a number of Manhasset organizations and Nassau County. In addition to the strong support of the Manhasset Public Schools and the Manhasset Public Library, Community Care of Manhasset and the Manhasset Chamber of Commerce offer significant backing to the Flu Shot Program. Community Care provides volunteers as well as a welcome lunch for the workers. The Chamber of Commerce supplies the office and telephones that allow the seniors to register by phone. It also covers the cost of the yellow posters that advertise the flu shots.

The program is co-sponsored by the Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs, the Nassau University Medical Center and the Nassau County Department of Health. These agencies provide the vaccine and medical supplies as well as insurance and technical assistance.

There is no out-of-pocket expense to residents. Medicare or private health insurance information will be requested so that Nassau County can apply for partial recovery of the expense of the vaccine.

Jacqueline Weigand, RN, who heads up the medical component of Manhasset's program, says, "Senior citizens are particularly at risk of contracting flu and are much more likely to suffer serious complications. We know that immunization is highly effective - and in Manhasset it has become a community social event as well."