MDA OFFERS FREE FLU SHOTS FOR PEOPLE WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 18, 2000 - The Muscular Dystrophy Association is again offering free flu shots for people who are affected by any of the more than 40 neuromuscular disorders covered by MDA programs.

Influenza is particularly hazardous for people living with muscle-wasting diseases, including muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease).

MDA administers thousands of free flu shots annually, an effort made possible by a year-round fund-raising effort that's highlighted by the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon broadcast nationally on Labor Day weekend. MDA works to defeat neuromuscular diseases that affect children and adults through programs of worldwide research, comprehensive services, and far-reaching professional and public health education.

"The flu can be life-threatening for children and adults with progressive neuromuscular diseases," MDA Senior Vice President and Executive Director Robert Ross said. "Flu shots are vitally important in reducing their risk of respiratory infections. That's why MDA offers this important weapon against influenza."

People registered with MDA may have transportation made available or be reimbursed for travel costs to visit the MDA clinic nearest them. The Association will also pay a local doctor to administer a flu shot if a person registered with MDA isn't close to one of MDA's 230 clinics.

For more information or to set an appointment for a free flu shot, call your local MDA office. More information is also available from MDA headquarters at (800) 527-1717, or on this Web site.

MDA is the nonprofit health agency dedicated to curing muscular dystrophy, ALS and related diseases by funding worldwide research.  The Association also provides comprehensive health care and support services, advocacy and education. Its programs are funded almost entirely by individual private contributors.