For More Information:

William R. Steinhaus
Dutchess County Executive
(845) 486-2000 countyexec@co.dutchess.ny.us

For Immediate Release

September 26, 2002

County Executive Steinhaus Announces Flu Immunization Clinics  In Dutchess

Dutchess County Executive, William R. Steinhaus announced today the schedule for the County s 2002 Flu and Pneumonia Vaccination Clinics.  Flu and Pneumonia Vaccination Clinics are conducted each year in the fall by the Dutchess County Department of Health throughout the county.  This year these clinics will be held from October 7 through November 26, 2002. 

County Executive Steinhaus said, Dutchess County has always had a strong commitment to the health of our community and its citizens, particularly our seniors and our youth, two of our county s greatest assets.  That commitment will continue and is reinforced each fall by offering flu and pneumonia vaccinations through our Health Department.   The health of our community is reflected in the health of each of its individual residents and having the right immunizations at the right time for the right people is key to successful health outcomes.   The County Executive noted that during last year s round of Flu Immunization Clinics, almost 6,700 county residents received their flu shot; mostly senior citizens. 

The County Executive said that something new would be added to the program this year.  Clinics will include representatives from County Departments to disseminate information about other Dutchess County programs and services that are important to seniors.  These include such programs as: the HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps underwrite the cost of heating fuel oil for seniors) and Home Weatherization program through the County s Office for the Aging; the Mental Hygiene Department s Project Liberty ; and services available through the Social Services Department s Adult Protective Services Unit. 

Information about flu immunization and the current week s schedule of Flu Clinics can be obtained by calling the Health Department s Flu Immunization Hot-Line at 486-3435.  The hot-line is available 24 hours/day, 7 days/week.

Clinics taking place in October will offer flu vaccine to people in the following high-risk groups:

         Adults 65 years of age and older;

         Adults (18 years of age and older) with chronic health problems including heart disease, lung disease, diabetes mellitus, kidney disease and conditions effecting the immune system;                                              

         Household members (18 years of age and older) of persons at highest risk of complications following the flu; and

         Healthcare workers. 

Clinics taking place in November will offer flu vaccine to people mentioned above and:

         Adults 50-64 years of age. 

All clinics will offer pneumonia vaccine to:

         Adults 18-64 years of age with certain chronic medical conditions; and,

         Adults 65 years of age and older. 

The fee for flu vaccine is $10.  The fee for pneumonia vaccine is $15.00.  Both vaccines are covered by Medicare Part B.  Medicare Cards must be brought to the clinic.  Adults enrolled in Medicare HMO s may be required to pay the fee. 

The following is a list of the Dutchess County flu and pneumonia vaccination clinics.

Dutchess County Department of Health Flu & Pneumonia Clinics, October-November, 2002