Flu season can be a difficult time for many people, particularly senior citizens who may be more susceptible and vulnerable. The health and well-being of seniors is of great concern to me. In an effort to address this concern and protect the seniors living in the Town of Hempstead, our Department of Senior Enrichment is offering flu immunization shots, with no out-of-pocket costs, to those residents who are 60 years of age or older.

The town is running this program in cooperation with Nassau University Medical Center. The shots are being provided at various senior centers throughout the town. Seniors should pre-register in person at their local senior center at least 10 days prior to the immunization date. The hospital will bill the recipient's insurance companies; however, there will be no co-payment required of those receiving the shots. The immunizations will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations on the specified dates:

Monday Nov. 3, 2003

Franklin Square Senior Center

328-3010

1182 Martha Place, Franklin Square

Thursday Nov. 6, 2003

Salisbury Senior Center

333-5440

460 Salisbury Park Drive, Westbury

Monday Nov. 10, 2003

Green Acres Senior Center

872-8810

400 Flower Road, Valley Stream

Wednesday Nov. 12, 2003

Bellmore Senior Center

221-9696

2000 Bellmore Avenue, Bellmore

Friday Nov. 14, 2003

Elmont Senior Center

354-4777

138 Elmont Road, Elmont

Wednesday Nov. 19, 2003

Roosevelt Senior Center

867-1612

2 Babylon Turnpike, Roosevelt

Friday Nov. 21, 2003

Uniondale-Merrick Senior Center

538-5050

750 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale

Monday Nov. 24, 2003

Wantagh Senior Center

785-8505

1150 Seamans Neck Road, Wantagh

Tuesday, Nov. 25, 2003

East Meadow Senior Center

794-2485

1485 Front Street, East Meadow

Monday Dec. 1, 2003

Baldwin Senior Center

546-7110

1810 Grand Avenue, Baldwin

Wednesday Dec. 3, 2003

Levittown Senior Center

433-5454

555 North Newbridge Road, Levittown

Friday Dec. 5, 2003

Oceanside Senior Center

766-8888

2900 Rockaway Avenue, Oceanside

Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003

Merrick Senior Center

868-4777

2550 Clubhouse Road, Merrick

I hope that all of our residents who are 60 years of age or older will take advantage of this wonderful program. It is important to get a flu shot every year. Those who are interested can pre-register at their local senior center. If you would like more information, please contact the Department of Senior Enrichment at (516) 485-8100 or your local Town of Hempstead Senior Center.