October 25, 2000

FIRST PUBLIC HEALTH FLU CLINIC

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department has received an initial shipment of flu vaccine and will be offering a clinic on Thursday, November 2, 2000 from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. at the Broome County Health Department building at 225 Front Street, Binghamton. There is plenty of free parking at the Health Department building, which is at the corner of Front and Clinton Streets. Broome County Transit buses #7 and #8 stop at the Health Department. The Broome County Office for Aging will also offer a flu vaccine clinic on Monday, November 6, 2000 from 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., at the Northern Broome Senior Center, SEPP Housing - Strong Pl., Whitney Point.

Vaccine shipments continue to be delayed due to now solved production problems. The Broome County Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Surgeon General's Office are encouraging healthy people to wait until later in the flu season for the flu vaccine. This is to insure that those at highest risk of influenza complications get vaccinated first. The Health Department and the Office for Aging urge those people who have insurance which pays for flu vaccine or who have a regular medical provider, to get their flu vaccine at their doctor's office.

All Broome County Health Department sponsored flu clinics, including the Office for Aging Senior Center Clinics, follow the current CDC guidelines for flu vaccine administration. The following individuals are considered at high risk for developing complications of influenza and are eligible to receive a flu vaccine at these clinics:

1. Persons 65 and older.

2. Adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary (lung conditions) or cardiovascular systems, including children with asthma.

3. Adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus); renal dysfunction; liver diseases; blood dysarasias, like anemia; or who are immunocompromised because of a disease they were born with; infection with HIV-the virus that causes AIDS; treatment with long-term steroids; or cancer treatment with x-ray or chemotherapy.

4. Children and teens 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy. Parents are advised to seek flu shots for all high-risk children at their regular medical provider. Only uninsured/underinsured children over the age of three, in the above risk categories, can be served at the Broome County Health Department sites.

5. Women who will be in their second and third trimester of pregnancy during flu season (over 14 weeks of pregnancy).

6. Physicians, nurses or household members who come in close contact with people at risk of serious influenza complications.

Medicare-Part B will pay for the flu vaccine. Individuals must present their Medicare Card. All other persons will be charged an $8.00 fee. Due to the high volume of attendance at flu clinics, the Health Department is unable to provide receipts. Those with insurance coverage requiring a receipt should seek their flu shot at their regular medical provider.

Many local pharmacies and grocery stores do have the vaccine and will be offering flu clinics. Check with your pharmacist or grocer for details.

The Broome County Health Department and OFA will schedule additional flu clinics, as vaccine becomes available. The Health Department will keep the public apprised of these clinics as they are scheduled. Residents are urged to call the Health Department Influenza Information line at 607.778.3911 to hear a recording of current clinic schedules or go to the Broome County Government website at www.gobroomecounty.com . Residents with questions concerning eligibility to receive a flu vaccine should call the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2839 or the Office for Aging at 607.778.2411.

Older Press Releases are online for archival purposes only. If you need updated information regarding items contained in these press releases please contact the Broome County Executive's office. Thank you.