MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ASSOCIATION OFFERS FLU SHOTS FOR PEOPLE WITH NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASES

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 1, 2001 - The Muscular Dystrophy Association will again offer free flu shots to people in the United States who are affected by any of the more than 40 neuromuscular disorders in the Association's program. Progressive muscle diseases can damage all muscles, including those responsible for breathing. This complication makes influenza particularly hazardous for people who have muscular dystrophy, spinal muscular atrophy, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig's disease) or other neuromuscular disorders.

"Respiratory infections caused by the flu can mean big trouble for children and adults with neuromuscular disorders," MDA President Robert Ross said. "A simple flu shot can reduce their chances of getting a life-threatening illness, and MDA is happy to provide this protection at no cost."

Funds raised during the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, broadcast by some 200 stations on Labor Day weekend, help to enable MDA to provide thousands of free flu shots annually as part of its clinical service program. MDA maintains 230 clinics nationwide.

For more information about obtaining a free flu shot, call your local MDA office, (800) 572-1717 or visit www.mda.org.

MDA is a national voluntary health agency dedicated to finding treatments and cures for neuromuscular diseases affecting more than a million Americans. The Association receives no government grants, nor does it seek fees from the families it serves.