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H1N1 Vaccinations are available to anyone 6 months of age and older. H1N1 Vaccinations are free. The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) continues to provide H1N1 vaccinations on Fridays by appointment only at the Department located on 401 Harris B. Dates Drive. Call 607-274-6609 to make an appointment. H1N1 vaccination will be provided through the month of February depending on vaccine availability. H1N1 Vaccinations are available to anyone 6 months of age and older. H1N1 Vaccination is FREE. There are some local pharmacies that have the H1N1 vaccine. Call the pharmacy to check if they are providing vaccinations. At this time there is low flu activity in schools and in the community. This information is based on anecdotal reports from physicians and school nurses. However, 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. The virus was first identified in April 2009. The first wave began then and lasted until early summer. The second wave began in August and peaked in November. The CDC continues to monitor the H1N1 flu illness activity. At this time the CDC does not know if there will resurgence—a third wave—and if it would continue to be mild or return stronger. It is important for people 65 years of age and older to get the H1N1 vaccine. While this group was not considered a priority earlier, now that the vaccine is 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. To date, the Tompkins County Health Department has vaccinated over 7,500 individuals. At this time there is ample supply of H1N1 vaccine in Tompkins County. TCHD has played a role in coordinating vaccine distribution in the County. It has received or redistributed over 15,815 doses of H1N1 vaccine to local physicians and colleges. 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 FluRemember that every day steps to prevent H1N1 flu and seasonal flu go a long way in staying healthy and preventing the spread of disease:
Overseas TravelThose 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 CDCFor 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: • New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) – www.nyhealth.gov
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| Tompkins
County Health Department 401 Harris B Dates Drive - Ithaca, New York 14850
Alice Cole, R.N.,M.S.E - Public Health Director |
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Page updated: February 10, 2010 | Webmaster |