Flu Found in Westchester:
Additional Flu-Shot Clinics Open

by Judy Silberstein

(December 1, 2003) The flu has come to Westchester, announced the Westchester County Department of Health on Monday, December 1. Four cases have been officially identified in the County, and it’s likely that there are more flu sufferers who have not come forward to be counted, including a few in Larchmont and Mamaroneck. The Health Department is offering additional low-cost flu-shot clinics at its White Plains and Yonkers district offices and local doctors are encouraging patients to get vaccinated.

For the flu, chicken soup?

“I haven’t seen any flu yet this year,” said Larchmont internist Dr. Zoovia Hamid. “However, we’ve been inundated with people requesting flu shots. We’re getting in a new supply, but prices from our suppliers have shot up.” Though she has not increased her fees, the cost of a ten-dose vial has spiked from $78 to $108.

Dr. Ann Engelland who specializes in adolescent primary care in her Mamaroneck practice has seen both the flu and a jump in requests for vaccination. "Most of us out here in the medical trenches diagnose flu clinically rather than by lab test. I've seen some cases of flu or flu-like illness."

"In my practice, I flag our patients with asthma and call them to come in for the vaccine in early fall," she said. "But this year, we've had people calling us who we don't consider at high risk for complications of the flu. When they request the vaccine, I give it to them. It's a very safe vaccine."

“Flu shots are particularly important now because of the possibility of a more severe flu season,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Dr. Joshua Lipsman. He was encouraging vaccination for at risk individuals, such as those with chronic health problems or those aged 65 and older. People who may transmit influenza to high-risk individuals should also be vaccinated, the Health Department recommended. However, those with particular allergies, to eggs, for example, should avoid the vaccines. More information on the do’s and don’ts of vaccination are available at the County website.

“You may want to encourage all your family members to get the shots, including your college-aged relatives,” suggested Joan Simon who was recovering from a Thanksgiving bout with the flu. She’d had the vaccine, but it wasn’t effective against the strain brought home from college by her unvaccinated son. “This reminds me how horrible it is to get the flu,” she said between coughs. “It’s definitely worth the shot.”

For those covered by Medicare, the flu shots at the Westchester County clinics are free; otherwise there is a $12 fee for the flu vaccine and $20 for a pneumococcal vaccine. Appointments are required and may be scheduled by calling the Health Department at (914) 813-5000.

 

Yonkers District Office 20 South Broadway
12/5	9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
12/9	9 a.m. - 11 a.m.
12/19	1 p.m. -  3 p.m.
12/23	9 a.m. - 11 a.m.

 

White Plains Office 85 Court Street
12/2	9 a.m. - Noon 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.
12/16	9 a.m. - Noon 1:00 - 4 p.m.

For more information on influenza and flu-shot clinics, call the Westchester County Department of Health at (914) 813-5000, or visit its website at www.westchestergov.com/health.

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