Mineola, NY – Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano and Health Commissioner Dr. Lawrence Eisenstein today announced that the Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health has teamed up with Walgreens to offer free flu vaccinations. The vaccination day will take place on Saturday, October 10th from noon to 5 p.m. at Kennedy Park, located at 335 Greenwich Street in Hempstead.
“This partnership helps protect our residents, especially the underserved, from the risks of influenza, said County Executive Mangano. “Getting vaccinated is the single best way for people to protect not only themselves, but their loved ones as well.”
“With very few exceptions, everyone 6 months and older should get an annual flu vaccine,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Eisenstein. “Influenza virus can be unpredictable and differ from year to year which is why it is important to get vaccinated annually.”
Seasonal influenza, commonly called the “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the respiratory tract, such as the nose, throat, and lungs. Unlike many other viral respiratory infections (such as the common cold), the flu can cause severe illness and life-threatening complications.
County Executive Mangano and Health Commissioner Eisenstein remind residents to take everyday preventive actions to stop the spread of influenza and other germs.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to keep from infecting them.
• If you are sick with flu-like illness, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or other necessities. (Your fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.)
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water. If soap and water is not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu.
For addition information about the Kennedy Park Flu Vaccination Day, call the Nassau county Department of Health’s Office of Minority Health at (516) 227-9675.