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MDA Offers Flu Shots to Those Affected by Muscle Disease

MDA’s online Flu Season Resource Center helps families prepare

CHICAGO, Sept. 16, 2014 — The Muscular Dystrophy Association is offering assistance with the cost of flu vaccines for individuals affected by muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases.

MDA offers this service annually for adults and children living with muscle disease who, because of compromised respiratory function — including difficulty coughing or clearing fluid from the lungs — are at increased risk of serious and possibly life-threatening complications from the flu.

Through MDA, individuals affected by muscle disease can receive a flu shot through their local MDA-sponsored clinic, or they can receive reimbursement from MDA (up to $35) for the cost of flu vaccines received from licensed health professionals, including those located at retail pharmacies.

“We can’t keep flu season from coming, but there’s a lot we can do to prepare and help protect everyone from its impact and complications,” said MDA Executive Vice President & Chief Medical and Scientific Officer Valerie Cwik, M.D. “All strains of the flu can cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illness for those living with a muscle disease. We encourage families to learn more about how to prevent influenza and prepare for the coming flu season.”

Families and individuals served by MDA can visit MDA’s Flu Season Resource Center to receive up-to-date information and tips for flu prevention, what to do should infection occur and how to obtain a vaccine through MDA.

Flu seasons are unpredictable and can begin as early as October, so the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people get their flu vaccine as soon as it is available in their area. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to be protected from the flu.

For more information about obtaining a flu vaccine, individuals affected by any of the diseases in MDA’s program may call their local MDA office at (800) 572-1717.

About MDA

The Muscular Dystrophy Association is the world’s leading nonprofit health agency dedicated to saving and improving the lives of people with muscle disease, including muscular dystrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and other neuromuscular diseases. It does so by funding worldwide research to find treatments and cures; by providing comprehensive health care services and support to MDA families nationwide; and by rallying communities to fight back through advocacy, fundraising and local engagement.

Visit mda.org and follow us at facebook.com/MDAnational and @MDAnews. Learn more about MDA's mission by watching this video.

 

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