H1N1 Vaccination Availability Expanded

Breaking news from the NYC Department of Health!

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Health Department Will Expand Access to H1N1 Vaccine in Final Round of Free Weekend ClinicsAny New Yorker 4 or older can get immunized against novel H1N1 flu this weekend

December 10, 2009 – As New York City heads into its final weekend of free vaccine clinics for H1N1 influenza, the Health Department is lifting most of the remaining restrictions on eligibility, effective Saturday. This weekend’s five vaccine centers – one in each borough – will admit any New Yorker who is at least 4 years old, including any healthy adult who would like to be vaccinated.

The Health Department will continue to target those most in need of H1N1 vaccination. The priority groups include pregnant women, anyone between 6 months and 24 years old, and adults with chronic health conditions that increase the risk of severe illness or complications. Health care workers and people in close contact with infants are also on the priority list, because of the risk they pose to others when infected themselves. But because H1N1 vaccine is now increasingly available to people in these groups, the agency is advising health care providers to reach beyond previously designated priority groups and vaccinate anyone over 6 months of age who wants or needs protection from H1N1 influenza.

“If you belong to a priority group and haven’t yet been vaccinated, please take advantage of this opportunity,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner. “If you’re not in a priority group but want to protect yourself from the flu, this weekend’s clinics are for you too. The H1N1 virus is still spreading in New York City, and vaccination is the surest way to prevent it. So don’t get sick – get immunized.” The Health Department particularly urges pregnant women to receive H1N1 vaccine because of their increased risk of hospitalization and death if they get the flu.

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To locate the H1N1 flu vaccination clinic closest to you, please dial 311

Free H1N1 Clinics in December

Two Weekend Clinics for H1N1 Vaccination in All Boroughs

Over the next two weekends - December 5th and 6th, and December 12th and 13th - the New York City Department of Health will conduct temporary clinics in all five boroughs to provide free vaccination against H1N1 influenza. These weekend clinics cannot vaccinate children under 4 but are open to anyone else in the CDC's priority groups for H1N1 vaccination. The eligible groups (including health care workers) are listed below, along with dates and locations for all weekend clinics. The Health Department's weekend vaccination clinics will operate from 9am to 6 pm on Saturdays, and from 9 am to 5 pm on Sundays. They are open to:

* Pregnant women * Anyone 4 through 24 years old (these clinics cannot vaccinate children under 4)

* People 25 through 64 with health conditions that increase the risk of complications from influenza. These include asthma, diabetes, chronic heart and lung conditions, kidney failure, or a weakened immune system.

* Anyone who lives with or cares for children less than 6 months old

* Health care workers who have direct contact with patients and cannot receive vaccine through their employers

CLINIC LOCATIONS:DECEMBER 5th - 6th

Brooklyn: George Wingate Educational Campus600 Kingston Avenue

Bronx: Christopher Columbus High School925 Astor Avenue

Manhattan: NYC Lab Middle School for Collaborative Studies333 West 17th Street

Queens: I.S. 210 Elizabeth Blackwell93-11 101st Avenue

Staten Island: P.S. 58 Space Shuttle Columbia School77 Marsh Avenue

CLINIC LOCATIONS:DECEMBER 12th - 13th

Brooklyn: P.S. 186 Dr. Irving Gladstone7601 19th Avenue

Bronx: I.S. 127 Castle Hill1560 Purdy Street

ManhattanGeorge Washington High School549 Audubon Avenue

Queens: I.S. 25 Adrien Block34-65 192nd Street

Staten Island: I.S. 24 Myra Barnes225 Cleveland Avenue

Giving May Be Good for your Health!

We know what you're thinking--how could the holiday season possibly be good for your health. The candy and cookies are everywhere, people drink more than usual, eat more often and heaver meals, and exercise less in the month of December. What is possibly healthy about the holiday season?

Answer: Giving gifts!

Check out the recent New York Times article discusses the connection between acts of generosity--or gift-giving--and health.

Here at City Tech you may give in a number of ways: drop off a can of food in one of the many boxes located about campus (including the Student Wellness Center!) or donate a gently used coat at box in front of the cafeteria.

Give of your time to friends, partners or spouses, children. Give a spontaneous kind gesture to a stranger. Try offering your subway seat!

Interested in volunteering? NY Cares matches volunteer interests with different organizations across the five boroughs.