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Despite decline in H1N1, health officials still urging vaccinations

By By JOLEEN FERRIS

Story Created: Dec 9, 2009 at 4:41 PM EST

Story Updated: Dec 9, 2009 at 5:32 PM EST

UTICA, N.Y. (WKTV) - The number of reported flu cases and flu-like symptoms is on the decline.

Oneida County health officials say this could be one of many reasons less than half of the students so far have taken advantage of the county's mass immunization clinics in the county's school districts.

While the cases appear to be on the decline, county health officials still recommend that all children receive the H1N1 vaccine. They say that, while reported cases are on the decline, that doesn't mean H1N1 or the traditional flu won't spike again.

"With influenza strains, particularly these novel strains, in previous pandemics they've dealt with in previous years, the pandemic tended to come in waves," says Ken Fanelli, Public Information Officer for the Oneida County Health Department.

So far, only around 30% of students have opted to get the H1N1 vaccines offered in local schools where clinics have already been held.

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