Senior Spotlight
Dept. Of Health Wants Pharmacists To Give Flu Shots

Responding to the recent increase in influenza cases, the city Department of Health has called on the state legislature under a pending bill to authorize pharmacists to give flu and pneumonia shots in order to give the public more options to protect themselves.

The Department of Health (DOH) said that if the public had greater access to these preventive and life-saving shots, about 50,000 more seniors could receive them. Seniors are among the largest groups that are at risk if they do not get the vaccinations each year.

In a news release issued last week, the DOH said that, like senior centers and workplaces, pharmacies would provide an additional "access point" for vaccinations, enabling more people to take advantage of the shots.

The statement said pharmacies already administer vaccines in most states and 47 states have already adopted such a policy which safely and effectively raises vaccination rates and prevents needless illness and death.

The DOH said according to information it receives, influenza is now widespread in New York City, with daily influenza-related emergency department visits topping 1,000- indicating the urgent need to get the bill passed to allow the pharmacies to give the shots.

The agency said that presently, about 20 percent of the vaccine supply is going unused and could be used by pharmacies to do some good.

Dr. Thomas R. Frieden, city Health Commissioner, stated: "Influenza and pneumonia kill more than 2,000 New Yorkers every year. Many of these deaths are preventable. By expanding access to these vaccines, we will save lives. If our legislators take action on this measure now, we can look forward to less illness and death next year."

The DOH statement said that both New York City and state have low vaccination rates, compared to other jurisdictions. For adults over age 65, New York state currently ranks 39th in the country for flu vaccinations, and 41st for pneumonia shots. A study showed that rates are much higher in states that allow pharmacies to give the shots. The same study showed that flu vaccinations for people over 65 grew at triple the rate in states that authorize pharmacies that give the shots.

The pending bill, of which state Senator Frank Padavan (R- C Bellerose) is a sponsor, would allow pharmacists to immunize people 18 and over. The bill has been stalled for several years in both houses and now the DOH is calling for a vote to have it moved to the floors of both houses for a vote. The bill is supported by organizations of doctors and health professionals.

PD TO ADDRESS JWV: Commander Spencer Polinger, of the Kew- Forest- Woodside- Loitz Post 230, Jewish War Veterans of the USA, announced that a member of the 112th Police Precinct, which covers Forest Hills and Rego Park, will address his organization this Sunday in response to concerns by seniors and other community groups about crime in Central Queens.

The meeting will be held at 9:30 a.m. at the Rego Park Jewish Center, 97-30 Queens Blvd., Rego Park.