Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Commissioner of Health Services Dr. James Tomarken announced today the schedule of influenza immunization clinics for adults who are 18 years of age and over. Thirty six clinics are planned from October through November.

Immunizations against pneumococcal pneumonia will also be provided  to  adults as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The clinics are held at various senior citizen sites, libraries and nutrition and community centers.

The CDC recommends that all people six months of age and older should get the annual flu vaccine. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of influenza-related complications and their close contacts, including health - care personnel and close contacts of children younger than six months, and pregnant women. Residents who are under the age of 18 should contact their health-care providers to get their annual flu vaccines.

Influenza viruses change frequently. Each year scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu that year. The 2010-2011 vaccine provides protection against A/H1N1 (pandemic) influenza and two other influenza viruses – influenza A/H3N2 and influenza B. It will not prevent illness caused by other viruses.  People who got the 2009 H1N1 (pandemic) influenza vaccine, or had pandemic flu in 2009, should still get the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine.  The influenza season typically peaks in December through April. Protection against the virus develops about two weeks after immunization and may last up to one year.

The vaccine administered at these sites is the inactivated (killed) influenza vaccine. A new “high-dose” inactivated influenza vaccine is available for people 65 years of age and older.

No fee will be collected from those participants with Medicare Part B non-managed care (no Medicare Advantage plans) for the influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations, as Medicare will be billed for the service.  A list of insurances accepted by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (SCDHS) can be accessed on the SCDHS website www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health.  All others will be charged $37 for the influenza vaccination and $25 for the pneumococcal vaccination.  The fee is payable by check or money order; cash will not be accepted. The fee for the new high-dose influenza vaccine will be $55. The aforementioned entities may be billed as stated for this service.  

A schedule of the clinics by date follows. Attached is a listing of clinics by town. The schedule may also be accessed on the SCDHS website. The Division of Public Health is operating an “Influenza Hotline.” For general information about the clinics residents may call 631-787-2200 weekdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.