Hauppauge – Suffolk County Health Commissioner Dr. Humayun Chaudhry kicked off the first of the county’s influenza immunization clinics by getting his flu shot with Mastic residents at the Bay Area Senior Nutrition Center.

The Suffolk County Health Department has scheduled more than 50 flu clinics from October to December. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services works with nursing students from Suffolk Community College and from SUNY Stony Brook in this effort. “Supervised nursing students are able to get hands-on experience while helping the county save tax dollars with this partnership,” said Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy. “This is a win-win for everyone and an important public service is provided.”

Flu clinics are scheduled across the county from Huntington to Montauk, primarily in senior centers in an attempt to reach those most vulnerable. The Health Department expects to administer the flu vaccine to 18-24,000 residents this year. Residents are also encouraged to get a flu shot from their Primary care physicians who will be immunizing tens of thousands of their patients throughout the flu season. At this time, influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza or more likely to require medical care and for people who can spread influenza to those at high risk.  People 50 years of age are encouraged to get the influenza vaccine.

“Influenza is a threat to everyone and as part of our preventative care we are trying to keep residents of Suffolk County as healthy as possible,” said Dr. Chaudhry. “Every year approximately 36,000 people die from the flu in the United States; that’s a number that can decrease with the proper measures.”

Immunizations against pneumococcal pneumonia will also be available to those 65 and older. Pneumococcal vaccine provides long term protection and many people need only a single immunization.

There is no charge to recipients of Medicare or Medicaid who are not participants of HMO Medicare/Medicaid Plans. Individuals covered by Medicare or Medicaid should have their identification with them. (Suffolk County will bill those organizations for the vaccination(s)). For all others, there is a charge of $35.00 for the influenza vaccine and $50.00 for the pneumococcal vaccine, payable by check or money order only to: “SCDHS” (Suffolk County Department of Health Services). Cash cannot be accepted.