NASSAU HEALTH CARE CORPORATION ANNOUNCES THE 2007 FLU VACCINATION CAMPAIGN AT 88 SITES FOR OVER 20,000 SENIORS, OPPORTUNITIES FOR FREE SCREENINGS, COMPLETE PHYSICAL EXAM APPOINTMENTS, WITH PHYSICIAN PRESENCE AT SITES TO ANSWER CLINICAL QUESTIONS

— Flu Program in Conjunction with Nassau County Department of Health and Nassau County Department of Senior Citizen Affairs  —

—-NHCC Officials Strongly Encourage Seniors to Take Advantage of no Out-of-Pocket Expense Flu Program, of Free Screenings for Blood Pressure and Physician Presence at Sites, Mammograms and Cervical Cancer Free Screenings on November 10th and December 8th—–

     East Meadow, NY——–Joined by Nassau County officials, Arthur A. Gianelli, President/CEO, Nassau Health Care Corporation (NHCC) today announced the NHCC 2007 flu vaccination campaign in conjunction with the Nassau County Departments of Health and Senior Citizen Affairs, to be held at 88 sites throughout Nassau County for over 20,000 seniors 60 and over, with opportunities for free screenings, complete physical exam appointments and with physician presence at sites to answer clinical questions and direct residents in need of routine and preventive health care appointments to either Nassau University Medical Center or to one of the community health centers.
In strongly encouraging Nassau County seniors to avail themselves of this important disease prevention program, Mr. Gianelli, who received his vaccination today along with a number of officials attending the press conference, stated:  “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.  The single best way to prevent the flu and resulting complications is to get vaccinated each fall.  The NHCC is happy to provide this disease prevention campaign for more than 20,000 Nassau County residents 60 and over, at no out of pocket expense, at 88 easily accessible immunization locations throughout the County, with opportunities for multiple health screenings and referrals for complete physical exam appointments.”  Mr. Gianelli also noted that multiple sites have been established in communities with a high percentage of minority elderly in an effort to reduce health disparities and that free mammograms and cervical cancer screenings would be provided at NUMC on November 10 and December 8th.
This joint flu program, located in senior citizens centers, libraries, schools, hospitals, churches, and community centers in Nassau County starts on October 14, 2007 until December 7, 2007 and provides:
v Clinical coordinator to explain services available at the NHCC
v Physicians available at sites to discuss relevant clinical issues and answer questions
v On-site blood pressure screening
v Sign-up forms to schedule mammography exam in Mammography Van
v Opportunity to sign up for appointment for a complete physical exam at NUMC or health centers
“Senior citizens are particularly at high risk for contracting the flu and more likely to suffer serious complications. Many convenient, easily accessible immunization locations are provided throughout the County,” said County Executive Suozzi.  “We strongly encourage Nassau County senior citizens to take advantage of this important disease prevention program.”
Mr. Gianelli concluded by thanking the officials who joined him in getting vaccinated and by praising the various staff members involved in the success of the yearly flu program: “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.”

For information as to the closest available flu immunization location in your community, please call the Flu Hotline at 516-227-8967