H1N1 (Swine) Flu information....

Many health care providers have received shipments of vaccine within the last few weeks and a public clinic was just held on January 9th at the Health Department, one at Arnot Ogden on January 15th, and one at St. Joseph's on January 21st. 

Please review the following information provided by the New York State Department of Health:

WHO SHOULD GET VACCINATED AGAINST H1N1 FLU?

H1N1 vaccination is now recommended for ALL New Yorkers over 6 months of age, not just those in the initial priority groups. This includes senior citizens age 65 and older.

AM I ELIGIBLE TO GET THE H1N1 FLU VACCINE?

Yes. New York State is now making the vaccine available to ALL New Yorkers. During the first phase of New York’s statewide vaccination campaign, when supplies of vaccine were limited, the State designated the H1N1 vaccine for priority groups considered at highest risk of serious illness and complications from the flu and those at risk of transmitting the flu to vulnerable individuals. Now that there is an adequate supply of vaccine, the State has expanded access to the vaccine to ALL New Yorkers.

NOW IS THE TIME TO GET VACCINATED!

The H1N1 flu season is far from over. H1N1 flu activity is still widespread in New York State. Typically, the most flu activity occurs from January through March, and the flu season runs until May. Getting vaccinated now will provide protection for you against H1N1 flu for the rest of the season this winter and spring.

THE H1N1 VACCINE IS SAFE.

The H1N1 vaccine will NOT make you sick, but the flu WILL. Like the seasonal flu vaccine, the H1N1 vaccine has a very good safety record. Most people who receive the H1N1 flu don’t experience any symptoms afterwards; some feel a temporary mild soreness in the arm. The nasal spray vaccine is also safe, effective, and easy to use.

WHERE CAN I GET THE VACCINE?

The vaccine is available from many health care providers, community health centers, and now pharmacies. Check www.flu.gov to see if any vaccine clinics are scheduled at retail outlets near you. 

The next FREE H1N1 immunization clinics are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

A consent form needs to be filled out in advance of receiving the vaccination.  To expedite the process, you can download a consent form below.  If you download the Consent Form from this site, please print 2 copies and complete both copies.  After you receive the vaccination, one of the copies will be returned to you.  Otherwise, you will need to take the time to complete one at the clinic upon your arrival.

Click on each link below to download a copy of the:

>CONSENT FORM

>Vaccine Information Sheet - Injection

>Vaccine Information Sheet - Nasal Spray

For more information on H1N1, click HERE.