November 20, 2000

Broome County Health DepartmentAnd Office For Aging Flu Clinic Schedule Advisory

BINGHAMTON, NY - Due to a delay in receiving the second shipment of flu vaccine, all Broome County Health Department and Office for Aging flu clinics are cancelled until further notice. The Broome County Health Department has established the Influenza Information Line at 607.778.3911. This recording is updated regularly and is the best source for accurate information about the current flu clinic schedule. Individuals can call 607.778.3911 anytime of the day or night. Residents can also get current clinic schedule information on the Broome County Government website at www.gobroomecounty.com.

Individuals do not need to be overly concerned if they have not received a flu vaccine as of yet. The flu season lasts from November through March with a peak in February. No flu activity has been reported locally, at this time. Flu clinics will be scheduled as soon as the Broome County Health Department receives the additional shipment of flu vaccine. In past years, Health Department clinics have been scheduled up through January.

The Broome County Health Department does not provide flu vaccine to other health care providers or mass immunizers in the community, such as pharmacies and grocery stores. Individuals at high risk for complications of the flu are encouraged to ask their health care provider, pharmacist or grocery store management, if flu vaccine is currently being offered.

The Broome County Health Department, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Surgeon General's Office are encouraging healthy people to wait until at least mid-December to seek a flu shot. This is to insure that those at highest risk of influenza complications get vaccinated first. In general, those at highest risk for serious complications of influenza are individuals over 65 years of age or people under 65 who suffer from a chronic disease or have a weakened immune system. Those with questions concerning eligibility for a flu shot should call 607.778.2839. The latest flu clinic schedule information can be heard at 607.778.3911

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.