MDA TO PROVIDE FLU SHOTS FOR PEOPLE WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 30, 2002 — As in years past, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will provide free flu shots to people who are affected by any of the more than 40 neuromuscular diseases in the Association’s program.

Influenza is particularly dangerous to people with progressive neuromuscular diseases, because muscle damage can occur in all muscles, including those responsible for breathing. This complication makes influenza hazardous for those who have muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) or other neuromuscular diseases.

“A respiratory infection caused by the flu can make the healthiest of people sick, but for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases, it can be life-threatening,” MDA President & CEO Robert Ross explained. "Because a simple, low-cost flu shot can reduce their chances of getting a potentially serious illness, MDA has long provided this protection at no cost to those we serve."

MDA provides thousands of free flu shots annually, thanks to funds raised during the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, broadcast on Labor Day weekend. MDA’s services program includes a nationwide network of 230 clinics.

For more information about obtaining a free flu shot for people with neuromuscular diseases, call the nearest MDA office, or call MDA headquarters at (800) 572-1717. Readers can also visit the MDA Web site at www.mda.org.

MDA is a voluntary health agency providing services, research and professional and public health education. The Association’s programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.