H1N1 Flu Vaccinations

Update:
Wednesday, October 28, 2009

TCHD is not scheduling any H1N1 vaccination clinics because it does not have any vaccine.

Last week the Department vaccinated over 400 local health care workers and first responders who at that time were required under a New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) mandate to receive the vaccine to protect patients in their care who would be at risk for complications from H1N1 influenza. On October 22nd Governor Paterson rescinded that mandate due to the limited supply of H1N1 vaccine and directed local health departments to vaccinate other priority groups as the vaccine becomes available.

The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) does not know when it will receive more H1N1 vaccine, how much it will receive and whether it will be in form of the nasal spray or the injectable form (shot). Clinics will be scheduled only when TCHD is in receipt of the vaccine.

TCHD will vaccinate the following priority groups when the H1N1 vaccine becomes available:

• Pregnant women,
• Children 6 months through 18 years of age
• Caregivers of children younger than 6 months of age
• Young adults between the ages of 19 and 24, and
• People between the ages of 25 and 64 who have a chronic medical condition that may put them at risk from complications from H1N1flu.

Information on H1N1vaccine availability and distribution and H1N1 flu changes rapidly. TCHD is monitoring the transmission of and impact of the H1N1 flu locally and the flow of information continually.

H1N1 flu is circulating In Tompkins County. School districts have reported an increase in absenteeism due to influenza-like illness. Local college campuses also continue to treat students with influenza-like illness. Most people who have been ill with the flu recover at home without medical intervention.

Every day steps to prevent the spread of germs and reduce the risk of spreading the flu are important:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after it’s used and wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth since germs can spread that way.
• If you have influenza-like-illness (fever greater than a 100◦F with cough or sore throat) stay at home for at least 24 hours after your fever goes away, without using any fever-reducing medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)

For more information on seasonal flu and H1N1 flu go to the following websites:
  • Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) – www.tompkins-co.org/flu
  • New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) – www.nyhealth.gov
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu 

Or, Call the TCHD Flu Hotline at 607-274-6609