By Jonann Brady
Although there were delays in delivering vaccines earlier in the year, the Nassau University Medical Center says that they are covered.
"Luckily for us, we ordered early and a large quantity [of vaccines]," said Shelley Lotenberg, spokesperson for the hospital.
The flu causes 20,000 deaths and more than 100,000 hospitalizations a year. People with the greatest risk of complications from the flu are those 65 and over and people with certain medical conditions and compromised immune systems, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Nassau County has been offering free flu shots to people over 60 at locations around the county since mid-October. The program continues through Dec. 19 and pre-registration is required at all sites. The county anticipates immunizing 25,000 seniors this year, said Lotenberg.
With fear of anthrax contamination running high, more people are requesting flu shots this year. "Awareness of contagious illness has become magnified," said Dr. Eric Shoenfeld, a Baldwin family physician.
The flu and anthrax share a number of common symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, muscle aches, sore throat and cough, but respiratory anthrax quickly progresses to severe breathing problems and shock.
Because demand is high and they have a large supply of vaccines, the Nassau University Medical Center will offer walk-in immunizations to the general public for $25 throughout the month of December.
The flu season generally lasts from December through March, and the vaccines takes two weeks to kick in, said Lotenberg.
A spokesperson at the Nassau County Department of Health stressed that the vaccine itself is not dangerous.
"The vaccine is highly successful in preventing the flu," said Cynthia Brown. "You do not get the flu from the vaccine. It's not a live culture."
