H1N1 Flu Vaccinations

Update:
November 4, 2009

Tompkins County Health Department Continues to Provide H1N1 Flu Vaccinations to Priority Groups

The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) continues to receive a limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. 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.

To date, TCHD has vaccinated over 400 health care workers and responders. Staff has also vaccinated post-partum women in its Maternal/Child Health Programs. Caregivers of children under the age of 6 months of age are targeted for H1N1 flu vaccination because children younger than 6 months cannot receive the vaccine. Vaccinated caregivers provide a “cocoon” of protection for infants. TCHD is also working with local obstetrical practices to ensure that their pregnant patients are vaccinated.

TCHD is working with local school districts to plan for H1N1 flu immunization clinics for their students. Schools will ensure that the necessary preparations are in place, including parental consent forms, before TCHD vaccinates students. H1N1 flu vaccination is voluntary. TCHD has received enough vaccine to begin H1N1 flu vaccination clinics at one school. Next week TCHD will vaccinate students at Newfield Central School.

TCHD recognizes the frustration that many people may feel about the inability to be vaccinated against H1N1 flu at this time. The delay is due to the unanticipated slow production of the vaccine. This delay has made scheduling of H1N1 flu vaccination clinics difficult and long range planning unfeasible. TCHD appreciates the public’s patience and consideration as it continues to monitor this evolving situation and provide H1N1 flu vaccinations as supplies allow. Community members interested in being vaccinated for H1NI flu should call their own physician for vaccine availability.

It’s important to remember that every day steps to  prevent H1N1 flu and seasonal flu go a long way in staying healthy and preventing the spread of disease:

• 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.
• Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow if a tissue is unavailable or that cough or sneeze comes up quickly.
• 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