Fuschillo Applauds Health Care Law In Support Of Shingles Vaccine
Recently, Governor Cuomo signed into law a health care measure I sponsored in the New York State Senate to expand greater access to vaccinations.
The new law expands the allowable vaccines that trained pharmacists are able to administer. Effective Tuesday, Oct. 16, the vaccine for the shingles virus will be available along with the vaccine for flu and pneumonia.
The Center for Disease Control recommends the vaccine for individuals ages 60 and over to protect against shingles, a painful and potentially debilitating viral disease. Shingles afflicts more than 70,000 New Yorkers annually, with a significant number suffering with long-term effects, according to New York University Langone Medical Center.
Dr. Robert Grossman, CEO, NYU Langone Medical Center noted in a letter of support that “this high incidence rate can be avoided with increased vaccinations,” and “opening the additional avenue for vaccination at the pharmacy will make the vaccine more accessible.”
I applaud the governor for signing this important health care law in an effort to provide greater access to the shingles vaccine, thereby enabling individuals increased protection against this painful and dangerous disease.
