No shortage of flu vaccine here
JOEL GIAMBRA Erie County Executive
Once again it is that time of year when the health experts remind us to get a flu shot. We all

remember the problems the nation experienced two years ago when a British vaccine manufacturer was forced to destroy close to 50 million doses of the vaccine leaving the nation severely under protected against the flu.

After checking with my health commissioner, Dr. Anthony Billittier, I am happy to report that the Centers for Disease Control have reported no such shortages again this year.

As last year, the CDC is recommending that those individuals over the age of 65, or under the age of two, and those suffering from a chronic illness such as asthma, diabetes, etc. should be first to receive the shot. After that time, health care providers can provide the vaccine to the general population.

If your health care provider does not have the flu vaccine, please go to www.immunizewny.org for a listing of flu shot clinics in your area. Last winter there were numerous reports pertaining to the avian flu, or bird flu as it is more commonly known.

Our health officials tell me that the bird flu is a new, highly virulent strain of influenza that has world health experts concerned. Presently, there is no vaccine to prevent this flu, but vaccine development efforts are under way. Experts suggest that the prescription medicines approved for human flu viruses would work in preventing bird flu infection in humans.

However, flu viruses can become resistant to these drugs, so these medications may not always work.

Should this occur, there are several methods by which individuals can avoid catching the flu. A proper diet, along with hand washing, covering your mouth or nose when you cough or sneeze, will go a long way toward stemming the spread of the influenza virus.

Dr. Billittier has informed me that the Erie County Department of Health continues to monitor the international efforts being conducted by the World Health Organization, while working closely with the New York State Department of Health and the CDC to prepare this region in the event of an outbreak.

These activities serve as another example of how Erie County government is constantly working to hone its preparedness capabilities in the event of any type of disaster.

However, should this flu season becomes more severe than recent years; rest assured that we in Erie County government will work diligently to protect the health and well-being of our residents.