FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Reza Mizbani | Reza.Mizbani@aging.ny.gov | 518-474-7181 Barbara Stubblebine | Barbara.Stubblebine@aging.ny.gov | 518-474-4425 October 12, 2016
|
|
New York State Office for the Aging Reminds Older New Yorkers to get Flu Shot as Soon as PossibleOlder adults among those at greater risk for serious complications from influenza |
|
Albany, NY (October 12, 2016)—New York State Office for the Aging Acting Director Greg Olsen reminds older New Yorkers about the importance of getting their flu vaccination as soon as possible. “Flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older, particularly those at greater risk, get their annual flu vaccine by the end of October, if possible. Influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people may also have vomiting and diarrhea. People infected with the flu may also have respiratory symptoms without a fever. The flu can cause mild to severe illness. Adults aged 65 years and older, people with certain chronic medical conditions, young children, and pregnant women are among those who are at highest risk of serious flu complications, possibly requiring hospitalization and sometimes resulting in death. “The best way to protect against the flu is to get an annual flu shot,” said Olsen. “Our immune systems are more easily compromised as we age, and older adults, especially those with chronic health conditions, have an increased risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Getting the flu vaccine helps prevent the spread of the virus and offers vital protection for older adults and their caregivers.” “Getting a flu shot is essential to staying healthy during the colder months, when the flu virus is most active,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Howard Zucker. “We urge all New Yorkers to get an annual flu shot, but especially older adults, who are at greater risk for serious illness.” Federal health officials have noted that fewer older adults have been getting vaccinated each year. According to the CDC, about 45 percent of the US population got vaccinated against the virus last year, down 1.5 percent overall from the previous year. Vaccinations among people aged 50 and older decreased by more than 3 percent. The CDC also reports that a study conducted in 2016 showed that those people 50 years and older who got a flu vaccine reduced their risk of getting hospitalized from flu by 57 percent. The CDC recommends the following actions for older adults:
About the New York State Office for the Aging The mission of the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) is to help older New Yorkers be as independent as possible for as long as possible through advocacy, development and delivery of person-centered, consumer-oriented, and cost-effective policies, programs, and services that support and empower older adults and their families, in partnership with the network of public and private organizations that serve them. For information about the New York State Office for the Aging, visit the NYSOFA Facebook page; follow @NYSAGING on Twitter; or visit www.aging.ny.gov. |
|
###
|