Norwood News

With the winter months looming, the city is preparing to tackle one of the season’s principal ailments, the flu. But this year, it’s not just the seasonal vaccination being offered. 

After causing widespread illness in New York City last spring, infecting an estimated 750,000 to 1 million residents, according to the of Health Department, the H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) vaccination is expected to be widely available by the end of the month.   

Although the Health Department says “overall influenza activity remains at a low level in NYC,” they have already begun distributing the H1N1 vaccination to health care providers. At first, the supply may be limited, but over 1.2 million doses are expected by the end of October.  

“We are delighted that the first vaccine has arrived in advance of the virus,” said the city’s Health Commissioner, Dr. Thomas Farley, in a statement.   

Initially, children and health care workers will be targeted for citywide vaccinations. 

At Montefiore Medical Center in the northwest Bronx, health care workers have already begun administering seasonal vaccines to employees, but as of late last week they are still waiting on shipments of the H1N1 variety. Health care workers are required by state law to receive both vaccinations.

Dr. Nathan Litman, director of pediatrics at Montefiore’s Children’s Hospital, said they are anticipating some reluctance from staff, but regardless, they “will have to comply with the law.”

In order to fulfill its commitment to protecting another vulnerable population, the city will be launching its mass H1N1 vaccination program for schools by the end of the month. It will run for about eight weeks.

All elementary schools, both public and private, will be offering the vaccinations.  Consent forms will be distributed to parents and required in order to receive the vaccine.  Middle and high school students will have the opportunity to be immunized at various health clinics, though the locations have yet to be determined.

“Children are the epicenter of the flu season,” Litman said.  “Protecting schoolchildren not only protects them, but the entire community.” 

The Health Department’s Web site recommends pregnant women, anyone six moths to 24 years old, anyone working with children younger than six months, and anyone ages 25 to 64 with underlying health conditions, be inoculated. But they also say people should speak with primary care physicians to determine when, where, and if they should be vaccinated. 

Although the federal government is providing funding for the vaccine, primary care physicians can charge an administrative fee.  The Health Department will list locations in all five boroughs where inoculations will be available without a fee on its Web site.