Archive: News

(Ithaca, NY) – October 21, 2009 – Since the beginning of October, The Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) has been receiving a limited supply of H1N1 vaccine. New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) requires that TCHD and other local health departments provide the vaccine to health care workers and first responders who include emergency medical/fire services and law enforcement. Health care workers and first responders have been designated as a priority group because they are in regular contact with vulnerable people in health care settings who would be at serious risk of complications from the disease. Since October 9, TCHD has provided over 400 vaccinations to this group.

TCHD expects to receive more H1N1 vaccine in early November. Pregnant women, children under the age of 4 years, and caretakers of children less than 6 months of age will be the next priority groups targeted for vaccination. Children 5 years of age and above and adults up to the age of 24 and 25 to 64 year-olds with chronic medical conditions will be next. These priority groups were established by CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) based on disease patterns observed this spring and populations most at-risk for severe illness based on current trends in illness.

Once these groups have been vaccinated, TCHD will schedule clinics for community residents who do not meet the criteria for priority groups.

Although TCHD has received a small amount of the H1N1 vaccine, it is uncertain how much, if any will be shipped to the Department and when it will arrive. Therefore, clinic scheduling is difficult and long range planning unfeasible. Check TCHD website for current information.

Some local physicians are starting to receive the vaccine. Community residents interested in receiving the H1N1 vaccine should check with their provider for vaccine availability.

H1N1 flu is circulating in the community.  However there have been no spikes of influenza-like-illness in local schools or unusual patterns of absenteeism.

TCHD has received more seasonal flu vaccine for adults and will honor the appointments that were made for the clinics that were postponed starting with the late September clinics. Staff is in the process of confirming prescheduled appointments for those clinics. A delay in distribution of the seasonal flu vaccine caused the postponements.

Seasonal flu vaccine for children is also available. Parents and caregivers may call the Health Department at 274-6609 to make an appointment for their child. Children between the ages of 6 months and 18 years of age may receive the vaccine at TCHD for no charge.

Planning for H1N1 flu and seasonal flu vaccination has been and continues to be challenging for TCHD staff, local providers and health professionals across the country. Guidance and vaccine availability change almost daily. TCHD staff monitors the situation continually and is working closely with NYSDOH, local providers and community partners to vaccinate as many people as possible.

For more information on seasonal flu and H1N1 flu go to the following websites: Tompkins County Health Department (TCHD) –  the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) –  the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)   or call the TCHD Flu Hotline at 274-6609

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