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H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

H1N1 Flu Update

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H1N1 FAQ

Vaccination Priority Groups

Seasonal Flu Local Updates

Thimerosal Info

TCHD Flu Hotline:
607-274-6609

Update:
February 17, 2010

HIN1 Vaccine Available at TCHD through March

H1N1 Vaccine at area pharmacies | Everyday Prevention
Overseas Travel | National Updates | Links

H1N1 Vaccination Clinics

Date(s) Place Time Notes
Fridays thru March*
Feb. 19, 26; Mar. 5, 12, 19, 26		 TCHD
401 Harris Dates Dr.		 Business hrs by appt. *WHILE VACCINE SUPPLY LASTS
Appointment necessary.
Call 607-274-6609

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 March as long as there are requests for the vaccination and there is vaccine available. 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 for vaccine availability.

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.

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 7,584 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 12,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine to local physicians and colleges.

H1N1 vaccine at area pharmacies

Flu Locator icon

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.

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Everyday Steps to Prevent Flu

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:

  • New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) – www.nyhealth.gov
  • Centers for Disease Control (CDC) – www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu 

blank TCHD Flu Hotline: 607-274-6609

 

 

Tompkins County Health Department 401 Harris B Dates Drive - Ithaca, New York 14850
Alice Cole, R.N.,M.S.E - Public Health Director 
Page updated: February 17, 2010  |  Webmaster