SEASONAL FLU AND H1N1 SWINE FLU INFORMATION

If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, you should stay at home and contact your regular physician or healthcare provider.

H1N1 SWINE FLU INFORMATION

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 CAN I GET THE VACCINE?

The vaccine is available from physicians offices and community health centers in Orange County. Call your primary physician first to see if they have the vaccine. 
 
The Orange County Department of Health is holding H1N1 immunization clinics for the public.  Call 291-4300 for updated clinic information.

Check this website frequently for information on additional scheduled clinics.

SEASONAL FLU INFORMATION

We strongly encourage seasonal flu vaccination for all County residents over the age of 6 months.  We particularly encourage pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or cardiovascular conditions to receive a seasonal flu vaccination.

There is currently a limited supply of seasonal flu vaccine. Please contact your physician or community health center to determine availability.

At this time, the Health Department does not expect to be able to schedule additional seasonal flu shot clinics in County Health Department offices.

For information on  flu shot clinics at pharmacies and other retail locations in your area, click on this link… http://www.flucliniclocator.org

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Please click on the link below for additonal information on Swine Flu...

Additional information on H1N1 Swine Flu

For additional information of specific interest to physicians and other health care providers, please click here...

Swine Flu Information for Physicians

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(Last updated on January 19, 2010)