One-shot deal for H1N1 vaccine and flu shot
Story Created:
Apr 6, 2010 at 3:42 PM EDT
Story Updated:
Apr 6, 2010 at 5:40 PM EDT
UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - Oneida County Health officials have held 102 H1N1 flu clinics since November 29, 2009.
Next year, however, the H1N1 vaccine and regular flu shot will be combined so those who aren't a big fan of getting shots can cover both all in one visit.
The exception is for children nine years old and younger because they're immune systems will still need two doses to protect them again H1N1.
Oneida County has vaccinated 9,000 school children so far, about 25% of the school population in the county.
With H1N1-specific clinics coming to a close, the county still has leftover doses. They are completely out of nasal spray, most of which has expired by now, but they have about 1,000 shot doses left.
Now the state and county will work together to make sure that all does are accounted for and then properly disposed of in the same way that used syringes are disposed of.
Nine people have died from H1N1 in the last 12 months.
Even with vaccinating as many people as possible, Oneida County health officials are still spreading the message to cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, wash your hands, and stay home when your sick.
If a third wave of H1N1 hit, health officials said it would be this month, but that "herd vaccination" should prevent widespread sickness.
Herd vaccination is when enough people have been vaccinated, that the majority of people in one area can fight off the sickness.
"When you sneeze, your germs can travel up to 12 feet in all directions," said Cathe Bullwinkle who is the quality improvement coordinator for Oneida County Health.
If you didn't get the H1N1 vaccine, its still not too late. You can contact the Oneida County Health department at 315-798-5747 for more information.
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