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Important H1N1 Flu (Swine flu) Information

The Ulster County Health Department continues to monitor influenza-like illnesses and provides education within Ulster County .
 
Illness associated with the H1N1 flu virus, is continuing throughout the United States.   Much more is known now about the H1N1 flu virus than when it was first detected in April, 2009.

The Centers For Disease Control (CDC) anticipates that H1N1 flu virus will circulate with the regular seasonal flu viruses during the traditional flu season.  CDC does predict that there will be more illness from the H1N1 flu virus than this past spring and more school-based outbreaks because flu is typically transmitted more easily in fall and winter.  

By taking planning steps now, schools, businesses, worksites, and the general public can help ensure that they are prepared for any flu activity.  

Weekly Updates 

February 5: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 29: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 22: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 15: H1N1 update from UCHD

January 8: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 30: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 23: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 18: H1N1 update from UCHD

December 11: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 25: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 20: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 13: H1N1 update from UCHD

November 6: H1N1 update from UCHD

October 30: H1N1 update from UCHD

October 23: H1N1 update from UCHD

Frequently Asked Questions    

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 to Find Seasonal and H1N1 Flu Vaccine

SEASONAL FLU VACCINE:

The Ulster County Health Department (UCHD) is offering seasonal influenza vaccinations to adults 18 years and older at the Health Department’s regularly scheduled immunization clinics. Appointments are necessary. Please call the District Office nearest you to schedule an appointme nt. 

For those not eligible for Medicare Part B coverage, there will be a $20.00 charge for influenza vaccination, payable at the clinic. Senior citizens who have Medicare Part B benefits will be able to obtain their vaccinations through Medicare. The recipient must be entitled to Part B coverage on the date of service, Medicare Part B must be the primary insurance coverage, and the Medicare Card must be presented on the date of service.

You can also check with your own health care provider about the availability of seasonal flu vaccine.

H1N1 FLU VACCINE:

Ulster County Health Department

 Ulster County Health Department to Offer H1N1 Flu Vaccine At Public Clinics Free of Charge

Ulster County Executive Mike Hein and Health Department Director La Mar Hasbrouck, M.D., M.P.H., announced that the county will be offering free H1N1 flu vaccine clinics for county residents during the months of January and February 2010.

No appointments are necessary.  

Ulster County Health Department’s clinics are open to anyone six months and older who want the vaccine.  As a reminder, children through 9 years of age should get two doses of vaccine, about a month apart. Older children and adults need only one dose.

**The clinics will be held as follows:  

For weather-related clinic cancellations, please listen to your local radio stations.  You can also find out more about clinic cancellations by calling the Ulster County Health Department Flu Hotline at 845-340-3093.   

Information regarding clinics can be found in the following ways: United Way’s free telephone service, 211 or 1-800-899-1479; flu hotline 340-3093; website: www.flucliniclocator.org.

**Plans are subject to change depending on the supply of H1N1 flu vaccine.

Resources

The following posters and information should be distributed and posted in key locations to help family, friends and co-workers to do their part to prevent the spread of illnesses.  

Stopping the flu is up to you! 

1. Get a seasonal flu shot now and the H1N1 vaccination when it becomes available.

2. Keep your germs to yourself.

3. Stay home when sick.

In addition to getting the vaccinations for seasonal and H1N1 flu, follow these every day action steps to protect yourself and your family from the flu:

• Washing your hands often with soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand cleansers are also effective.
• Avoiding people who are ill.
• Staying home from work or school if you are sick.
• Using tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit, and dispose of the tissue in a covered trash bin.
• Keeping hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Cleaning shared space more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.
• Refraining from sharing personal items such as forks, spoons, toothbrushes and towels.

Poster for building entrances: You are welcome but the flu is not!

Key H1N1 Flu information for the public, employers, health care providers, childcare providers, schools, colleges and universities and other special interest groups provided by:

New York State Department of Health

New York State DOH hotline-1-800-808-1987 available 24/7

(Spanish/English/French languages)

 Resources:

v     Does Someone at Home Have the Flu? Answer These Questions to Know What to Do!  

v     Novel H1N1 Flu and Seasonal Flu: Differences and Similarities

v     Various posters and fliers

Vaccine Safety, Questions and Answers, Centers for Disease Control (CDC)

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
 
U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services
 
Para Español:

http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/espanol/

Public Service Announcement: (55 seconds)

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