H1N1 Vaccine Expected to be Available to Priority Groups in November

In an effort to keep residents informed of the latest developments on both seasonal and novel H1N1 Influenza vaccine, Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy and Acting Commissioner Dr. Linda Mermelstein are urging residents to check the county’s website often and to call the H1N1 hotline number with questions or concerns.

While seasonal Influenza vaccine has been available in many doctor’s offices and clinics throughout the county, the novel H1N1 vaccine is not yet widely available.

According to New York State Department of Health, the H1N1 vaccine will begin to be generally available to persons in priority groups beginning the first week of November.

Individuals recommended to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine are pregnant women, household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age, health care and emergency medical services workers all people from 6 months through 24 years of age, persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of serious illness and medical complications from the flu.

Once individuals in these groups have had a chance to get vaccinated, H1N1 flu vaccine will be available to a wider population.

 “When the Department of Health Services receives H1N1 vaccine it will be appropriately distributed so it can reach as many in the target populations as possible, ” said Levy. Vaccinations will continue through November and December.”

Today, the Department of Health Services received 600 doses of vaccine, which will be distributed to those recommended to receive the vaccine in the county’s health centers.

“We urge residents to call their own doctors to get their seasonal flu vaccines and to find out if their doctors will be offering the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available,” said Dr. Mermelstein.

Private health care providers have been asked to pre-register for the H1N1      vaccine on the state’s website at https://hcsteamwork1.health.state.ny.us/pub/top.html. At this time, the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is aware of approximately 400 private health care providers in the county who have ordered H1N1 flu vaccine.

To stay informed on local developments on H1N1 Influenza virus and vaccine and to find out where the county’s seasonal Influenza vaccine is being offered, visit http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/healthservices.aspx.  For questions or concerns about seasonal or H1N1 Influenza or the vaccines, call 631-787-2200.