Hicksville Residents Encouraged to Get Inoculated
Arthur A. Gianelli, president/ CEO of NuHealth (formerly the Nassau Health Care Corporation), announced the 2009 senior seasonal flu vaccination campaign, offered in conjunction with the Nassau County Departments of Health (DOH) and Senior Citizen Affairs, will be held at multiple locations. The program is open to seniors age 60 and over at no out-of-pocket expense at easily accessible locations within the vicinity of the East Meadow-based Nassau University Medical Center and includes opportunities for multiple health screenings and referrals for complete physical exam appointments.
Gianelli, who himself received the vaccine, strongly encourages all Nassau County seniors take advantage of this important disease prevention program. “The risk is higher for serious complications that could result in pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions and possibly death for senior citizens who contract the flu,” said Gianelli. “The single best way to prevent the flu and resulting complications is to get vaccinated each fall.”
He continued, “senior citizens are particularly at high risk for contracting the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications. We strongly encourage Nassau County senior citizens to take advantage of this important disease prevention program,” he said.
According to Gianelli, the various staff members involved in the success of the yearly flu program should be commended. “As a result of your dedicated efforts, you have helped to save lives by vaccinating over 20,000 seniors each year against the flu, you have provided information about NUMC’s health services and directed residents in need of routine and preventive health physicals. You are to be commended for your hard work and dedication,” he said.
The NUMC senior flu program starts in mid-October and runs through late December. For information as to the closest available flu immunization location in your community, call the Flu Hotline at 393-7453.
According to Hicksville Superintendent of Schools Maureen Bright, the vaccination program offered since 1990 as a joint effort between the school district, county, Hicksville Public Library, Gregory Museum and William M. Grouse, Jr. VFW Post 3211 will not be offered this year as the county has revamped the program to maximize efforts and contain costs. Instead, the Hicksville School District has notified seniors the seasonal flu vaccine will be offered Sunday, Nov. 1 at Plainview Hospital from 9 a.m. to noon. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 719-2599 between Oct. 13 and Oct. 15.
Please note: The aforementioned vaccinates are for seasonal or “Type A” flu and not the H1N1 or “swine flu” virus. For further information, contact Jo Ellen Cole at Plainview Hospital at 719-2518.
About NuHealth
NuHealth, formerly known as Nassau Health Care Corporation, is a public benefit corporation managing the operations of Nassau Medical Center, A. Holly Patterson Extended Care and a network of family health centers. By emphasizing wellness, cultural sensitivity and collaborative efforts with the North Shore-LIJ Health System, NuHealth is working to make good care more affordable and easier to access. For more information about NuHealth or its Centers of Care, visit www.nuhealth.net.
