MDA TO PROVIDE FLU SHOTS
FOR PEOPLE WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 2, 2003 — As in years past, the Muscular Dystrophy Association will provide flu shots at no cost to people with 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.

“We’re well aware that respiratory infections caused by the flu can become very dangerous for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases,” MDA President & CEO Robert Ross explained. "That’s why one of MDA’s most important services is the provision of flu shots each year for those we serve to reduce their chances of getting a potentially serious infectious illness."

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, call MDA headquarters at (800) 572-1717 or 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.