Update:
December 30, 2009
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine at TCHD
H1N1 Vaccine at area pharmacies
Everyday Prevention Steps
Overseas Travel | National Updates | Links
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Vaccine at TCHD
The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) will provide H1N1 vaccinations to anyone in the County who is six months of age and above. More information will be available on dates, times and location during the first week in January. Until then, community residents may call 607-274-6609 and leave their name and phone number; staff will call them back to set up an appointment for a H1N1 vaccination.
The Department has a limited supply of seasonal vaccine for ages six months and up. Appointments will also be made for seasonal vaccinations as long as there is vaccine available. Call 607-274-6609. Those who are interested in seasonal flu vaccination are also encouraged to call their provider’s office to see if they have vaccine available.
TCHD anticipates that influenza-like illness will increase in January and February which is typical for this region. However, it is not possible at this time to determine which influenza will predominate – H1N1 or seasonal flu. It is also possible that both will be circulating.
H1N1 vaccine at area pharmacies
To locate an area pharmacy that is providing the vaccine go to www.flu.gov. Enter your zip code in the area “Flu Locator,” hit the “go” button and a list of pharmacies will appear. Check frequently for updates. When pharmacies receive the vaccine, they may vaccinate anyone above the age of six months.
Everyday Steps to Prevent Flu
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.
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 a 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)
Overseas Travel
Those people traveling overseas should check the Centers for Disease Control web site. There are some countries, particularly in Asia that are screening travelers for influenza-like illness. For CDC travel updates, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/content/novel-h1n1-flu.aspx.
National updates from the CDC
For current information on H1N1 activity, reports of influenza-like illness (ILI), hospitalizations, deaths and more both nationally and by region, go to: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm. Updated Fridays.
Seasonal flu and H1N1 flu Web sites:
• 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
TCHD Flu Hotline: 607-274-6609
