AMAC urges seniors to get flu shots early

Sept. 7, 2012 - PRLog -- BOHEMIA, NY – “As you get older, your immune system gets weaker and you become more susceptible to the flu virus, so get your flu shots early – before this year’s outbreak begins later this month,” cautioned Dan Weber, president of the Association of Mature American Citizens.

Weber pointed out that “it is literally a matter of life and death for older Americans, particularly those over 65.”  He cited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reports that some 36,000 Americans die each year from the flu and that seniors account for 90% of those deaths.

The flu season starts in late September and early October, but it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective.  So, Weber urges older Americans to get their shots as early as possible, noting that the vaccine is fully covered by Medicare.

“Set an appointment with your family doctor to get vaccinated as soon as this year’s batch of serum is available or go to the ‘Flu Near You’ Website [https://flunearyou.org/] to find locations by Zip Code where the vaccine will be available.”

Meanwhile, the AMAC chief suggested, “take precautions such as limiting contact with friends and relations who may be showing symptoms of illness like coughing and sneezing.  And, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after excursions that involve mingling in crowded public spaces and after riding public transit systems.”

Weber pointed out that those who wind up getting the flu this year have recourse.  There are antiviral drugs available to treat the illness, particularly if you act quickly, he said.

The World Health Organization reports that flu vaccines can be up to 90 percent effective in preventing illness and that it slashes influenza death rates by as much as 80 percent.

“There is no need for anyone to risk infection.  The vaccine is widely available throughout the country and free for those on Medicare.  And for those older Americans who are not old enough for Medicare, many communities offer free and/or low cost vaccinations.  The shots don’t hurt, but the flu can be downright deadly,” Weber said.

NOTE TO EDITORS: Dan Weber is available for telephone interviews on this issue.  Please contact John Grimaldi at 917-846-8485 or jpgrimaldi@verizon.net to set up a chat.

ABOUT AMAC
The Association of Mature American Citizens [http://www.amac.us] is a vibrant, vital and conservative alternative to those traditional organizations, such as AARP, that dominate the choices for mature Americans who want a say in the future of the nation.  Where those other organizations may boast of their power to set the agendas for their memberships, AMAC takes its marching orders from its members.  We act and speak on their behalf, protecting their interests, and offering a conservative insight on how to best solve the problems they face today.