News Release 

TOMPKINS COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT
Frank Kruppa – Public Health Director
 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more information contact:
Theresa Lyczko at 274-6714 or Sigrid Connors at 607-274-6656

Flu Vaccinations Available at Tompkins County Health Department

 
September 14, 2011 (Ithaca, N.Y.) — Should you get a flu shot this year? Here’s an easy answer: Everyone, Every Year (Everyone over the age of 6 months). This is the recommendation of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD). A flu shot is the best protection against the flu — it protects you and limits the spread of flu to others, particularly infants under the age of 6 months who are too young to be immunized.

This year Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) is providing flu vaccinations at its location at 55 Brown Road — across from the airport. There is plenty of free parking.

For your convenience, appointments are necessary. Call 607-274-6609. Fu shots will be available beginning Wednesday, September 21.

The cost is $25.00 for adults 19 years of age and above. Cash and checks accepted; no credit or debit cards The Health Department bills Medicaid, Medicare Part B and Blue Cross Blue Shield.

The Health Department ordered less vaccine this year than in the past due to the increased availability of flu vaccine at multiple venues in the community such as pharmacies and other health care providers.

TCHD has not yet received its supply of free flu vaccine for children through the federally funded Vaccine for Children program. However, the Department expects to receive it in mid-October and it will begin making appointments for children when the vaccine arrives. As supplies are available, flu immunizations will be free for anyone 6 months through 18 years of age. Check the website www.tompkins-co.org/flu for updates.

While flu vaccination is the best prevention against the flu, basic prevention practices are always important to keep in mind to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases.

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol based sanitizer.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue during coughs and sneezes; discard the tissue.
• Keep your hands away from your face, eyes, mouth and nose.
• Clean frequently used surfaces such as door knobs, telephones, keyboards.
• Stay home from school, work, and social engagements if you have flu symptoms to protect others.

For more information call 607- 274-6609 or go to www.tompkins-co.org/flu  or www.cdc.gov/flu

 

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