Local Updates for H1N1 flu
H1N1 updates posted every Wednesday afternoon through Feb. 2010, and as warranted.
June 9, 2010
H1N1 Vaccination Availability Update
TCHD is providing H1N1 vaccination to anyone 6 months of age and above, by appointment. Call 607-274-6609 during business hours for information or to schedule an appointment. Vaccinations are given only at the TCHD offices, 401 Harris Dates Dr. There is no charge for these vaccinations.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Weekly H1N1 Web Updates Will End
TCHD will no longer post weekly H1N1 updates to its website. TCHD began the Wednesday updates in June 2009 after H1N1 emerged in the United States in the spring. At this time H1N1 flu and seasonal flu activity is low in Tompkins County, the region and the country. However, TCHD will resume the weekly updates if the situation changes. Complete Feb. 24 Update »
TCHD will continue to provide H1N1 vaccinations on Fridays by appointment only at the Department located on 401 Harris B. Dates Drive. Call 274-6609 to make an appointment. Seasonal vaccine is no longer available.
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
HIN1 Vaccine Available at TCHD through March
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
HIN1 Vaccine Available at TCHD through February
TCHD Coordinates Local Supply of H1N1 Vaccine
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Planned thru Feb.
Although flu activity is currently low in schools and in the community, it is still important to get vaccinated in the event that there is another wave of H1N1 flu illness. It takes approximately two weeks to build immunity after vaccination. Complete Feb. 3 Update »
Gastrointestinal illness reported in the community and schools
Believed to be caused by a Norovirus, this illness is very contagious. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and some stomach cramping. This illness is not associated with H1N1, but similar prevention measures should be taken (such as frequent hand washing) to help prevent its spread.
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
H1N1 Vaccination Clinic at Shops at Ithaca Mall – January 28
H1N1 Vaccinations are available to anyone 6 months of age and older. Seniors are strongly encouraged to get the vaccine. People 65 years of age and older may be at lesser risk of getting H1N1 flu, however, they still may become ill with H1N1 flu and suffer from its complications. H1N1 Vaccination is FREE. See schedule & complete Jan. 27 Update »
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Continue
Over the next 2 weeks, clinics will be held at Lifelong, TCHD and The Shops at Ithaca Mall. H1N1 vaccinations are free. See schedule & complete Jan. 20 Update »
Prevention Important for Flu and Other Diseases
Even though flu activity seems to have eased, vaccination is still important in anticipation of the next wave of H1N1 flu illness. And, good hygiene measures practiced to prevent flu are equally important for preventing other illnesses, and should not be relaxed. Complete Jan. 20 Update »
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
H1N1 Vaccination Clinics Continue for all Tompkins County Residents
Clinics will be held at TCHD and at Lifelong during the coming weeks. H1N1 vaccinations are free. See schedule & complete Jan. 13 Update »
Typical Flu Season — January through March
Flu activity in some areas of our region is still higher than normal for this time of year. Most of the flu circulating now is H1N1. The activity is expected to pick up in our area as students return from winter break, the typical pattern in Tompkins County. Complete Jan. 13 Update »
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Continued Demand for H1N1 Vaccination – Clinics Continue
Clinics will be held at the Department and at Lifelong during the coming weeks. H1N1 vaccinations are free. See schedule »
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
TCHD Clinic Schedule for H1N1 Vaccinations
H1N1 vaccination clinics are open to all Tompkins County residents age 6 months and older. Clinics will be held at the Department and at locations in the community. Some clinic locations require an appointment (call 607-274-6609). There is no charge for H1N1 vaccination. Schedule & complete Jan. 6 Update »
College Students Urged to Get a H1N1 Vaccination before Returning to Campus
Vaccination is the best protection from illness.
Monday, January 4, 2010
TCHD Opens H1N1 Vaccination to all Tompkins County Residents
Beginning this week, The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) will provide H1N1 vaccinations to anyone 6 months of age and older. Clinics will be held at the Department and at locations in the community. Some clinic locations require an appointment (call 607-274-6609). There is no charge for H1N1 vaccination. Read the complete Jan. 4 Update »
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine
TCHD will provide H1N1 vaccinations to anyone in the County age six months and above. More information will be available during the first week in January.
Until then, community residents may call and leave their name and phone number; staff will call them back to set up an appointment for a H1N1 vaccination. Read the complete Dec. 30 Update »
TCHD to Open Up H1N1 Vaccination to All Tompkins County Residents
In January, TCHD will begin vaccinating anyone 6 months of age and above who wants a H1N1 immunization. Details including dates, times and location are not available at this time. Check this Web site and the local media for updates.
NYSDOH providing H1N1 vaccine to pharmacies that registered to receive it
When pharmacies receive the vaccine, they may vaccinate anyone above the age of six months. At this point in time TCHD is not aware of any pharmacy in the County that is providing the vaccine. To locate a pharmacy in the area that is providing the vaccine go to www.flu.gov.
Holiday Hygiene
Holidays are busy with a lot of activity and social gatherings.
It’s important to remember to cover coughs and sneezes and to wash your hands frequently.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
TCHD to Continue Vaccinating Priority Groups
In Tompkins County, not everyone in the priority groups who wants the H1N1 vaccination has been able to receive it. Therefore, people in the priority groups may continue to call TCHD at 607-274-6609 and leave their name and phone number. As vaccine becomes available, TCHD will contact them to set up an appointment. As of December 15, TCHD has vaccinated 4,589 Tompkins County residents including school children and other priority groups. Read the complete Dec. 16 Update
Pediatric H1N1 Vaccine Recall
On December 15, the CDC announced that there was a voluntary recall of certain lots (batches) of Pediatric H1N1 vaccine manufactured by Sanofi Pasteur. Periodic testing indicated that these lots of vaccine had lost some of their potency (strength) over time. There are no safety concerns associated with the vaccine. Parents of children who received the vaccine from the recalled lots do not need to take any action other than to complete the two-dose immunization series if not already completed. Read the complete Dec. 16 Update
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
School Based H1N1 Vaccination Clinics to be Completed by Dec. 18
The Tompkins County Health Department is providing H1N1 vaccinations for students in the Ithaca City School District and private schools this week and next. Read the complete Dec. 9 Update »
Anti-viral Medications Available to Under- and Uninsured
On December 7 the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) began a program to provide anti-viral medications for New Yorkers who are under- or uninsured or who cannot afford the associated costs of obtaining the medication. Guidelines for eligibility are minimal and do not require any form of identification and/or proof of health care coverage or financial status. Read the complete Dec. 9 Update »
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
School Based H1NI Vaccination Clinics Continue This Week.
The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) provided H1N1 vaccinations to 355 students at Dryden Central Schools on Tuesday, December 1st. A clinic is planned for Lansing Central Schools on Thursday, December 3rd. TCHD is working with the Ithaca City School District to implement clinics for its students before the end of December.
To date TCHD has vaccinated 2360 Tompkins County residents who meet the criteria established by the CDC for priority H1N1 vaccination.
Read the complete Dec. 2 update »
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
TCHD will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday on Thursday and Friday.
There will be no appointments for H1N1 vaccine for people in priority groups this week due to the holiday. People in priority groups who want to be vaccinated with H1N1 vaccine may call for updates after the holiday weekend, beginning Monday, November 30th. The TCHD flu hotline number is 607-274-6609.
Although the CDC reports some gradual declines in influenza activity, there is still a lot of influenza everywhere. Keep this in mind when traveling and visiting friends and relatives. Read the complete Nov. 25 Update »
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
School-Based Clinics Continue
School-based H1N1 flu vaccination clinics are taking place this week at Groton and Trumansburg School Districts. The clinics are intended for students only; no faculty or staff will be vaccinated due to the limited supply of vaccine. Plans are being made for clinics at Lansing, Dryden, and Ithaca City School Districts, but no dates will be set until enough vaccine is assured to hold a clinic. H1N1 flu vaccination is voluntary.
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
TCHD Completes the First School Based H1N1 Vaccine Clinic
On Tuesday, November 10, 2009, Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) provided H1N1 flu vaccine to 480 elementary, middle, and high school students at Newfield Central School.
TCHD is working with the 4 other school districts in the County to provide H1N1 flu vaccine for their students. The amount (number of doses) and type of vaccine (shot or nasal spray form) that TCHD receives from suppliers is one determinant for whether a school based clinic will take place.
H1N1 vaccination is voluntary. Click here to Read the complete update ».
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
H1N1 Flu Vaccinations
Tompkins County Health Department continues to receive a limited supply of H1N1 vaccine, and to provide H1N1 flu vaccinations to priority groups. The amount of vaccine and the form of the vaccine—nasal spray or injectable (shot) form—direct the planning and process for providing the vaccinations to priority groups. Read the complete update »