BINGHAMTON, NY – National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10 – 16) is a reminder that vaccines are one of the best ways to protect your health. If you haven’t done so already, now is the time to get your H1N1 vaccination.

 

Between April and mid-November 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 47 million Americans were infected with the H1N1 flu, more than 200,000 were hospitalized, and nearly 10,000 died. Although there has been a decrease in the rate of illness from the H1N1 virus nationally, people continue to be sick and are still being hospitalized.

 

“The Broome County Health Department is to be commended for its success in delivering vaccinations to the most vulnerable in our community.  The staff began H1N1 clinics in the fall and they are now continuing their efforts to defend our population from this virus,” said Broome County Executive Barbara J. Fiala. “I encourage residents to protect themselves from H1N1 by receiving a free vaccination. We each can play a part in reducing the spread of this illness by getting vaccinated.”

 

Flu is very unpredictable. The H1N1 virus surfaced in the United States in April 2009, and we have already seen two waves of the virus. “January through March is typically the time of year that we see the most illness from flu, so it’s likely that we will be seeing a third wave of the virus,” said Claudia Edwards, Public Health Director for the Broome County Health Department.

 

Fortunately, vaccine is now widely available in the United States. Locally the vaccine is available from medical providers, pharmacies, and health department sponsored clinics throughout the county. “We encourage everyone to get vaccinated, especially those with a chronic disease who can have complications from the flu,” Edwards further stated. Parents of children between the ages of 6 months and 9 years of age are reminded that their children need two doses of the vaccine to have full immunity against the disease. The second immunization must be given at least 21 days after the initial vaccination.

 

In recognition of National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Broome County Health Department will be holding five H1N1 clinics this week. Vaccinations are free of charge.  

Open to the General Public

Broome County Health Department

225 Front Street

Binghamton, NY 13905

 

Deposit Central High School

171 Second Street

Deposit, NY 13754

 

Floyd L. Bell Elementary School

15 Golden Street

Kirkwood, NY 13795

 

C. R. Weeks Elementary School

440 Foley Road

Windsor, NY 13865

 

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.

A. F. Palmer Elementary School

213 Main Street

Windsor, NY 13865

 

Protect yourself, protect others; make vaccination a priority.

 

For more information about upcoming H1N1 clinics or the virus, visit the Broome County Health Department’s website at www.gobroomecounty.com/hd/flu or call our information line at 778-3331.