MDA OFFERS FLU SHOTS
FOR PEOPLE WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 4, 2004 – The Muscular Dystrophy Association is offering 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, which may damage the muscles responsible for lung function. This makes influenza risky for those with muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and other neuromuscular diseases.

“The flu can cause respiratory infections that can become very hazardous for children and adults with neuromuscular diseases,” MDA President & CEO Robert Ross explained. "Each year, MDA provides those we serve with free flu shots in order to reduce their chances of serious illness.”

MDA provides thousands of free flu shots annually. To find out more 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.

To read more about flu shots, click here.

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