Broome County Announces Its Flu Vaccination Clinic Schedule for 2006

BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department will offer its first flu vaccination clinic on Monday, October 30, 2006 from 9:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–3:30 p.m. at the Broome County Health Department located at 225 Front Street, Binghamton, where free parking is available. Broome County Transit buses #7 and #8 stop at the health department. The Broome County Office for Aging will offer its first flu vaccination clinic on Thursday, November 2, 2006 from 9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m. at the Deposit Senior Center, 14 Monument Street, Deposit.

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each fall.

Every year in the United States, on average:

• 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu;
• more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and;
• about 36,000 people die from flu.

Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at high risk for serious flu complications and can benefit from the protection a flu immunization provides. The health department urges anyone who falls within these high risk groups identified by the Centers for Disease Control to get immunized this year:

• Children aged 6–59 months of age,
• Pregnant women,
• People 50 years of age and older,
• People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions,
• People who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities, and
• Health care workers.

Also caregivers or household contacts of people identified as high risk and those who care for children under the age of 6 months (this group is too young to be vaccinated) should receive an immunization.

Parents are advised to seek flu shots for children at their regular medical provider. Children under the age of three receive a different dosage of the vaccine than adults and, depending on the age of the child, may require a second dose of the vaccine.

For those people who are on Medicare, Medicare-Part B will pay for the flu vaccine. Individuals must present their Medicare Card to clinic staff. Those participating in a Managed Medicare or Medicaid program must go to their primary care provider. All other persons will be charged a $25 fee.

Residents can call the Broome County Health Department Influenza Information Line at 607.778.3911, Option 2, to hear a recording of current clinic schedule or go to the Broome County Government website at www.gobroomecounty.com. Residents with questions concerning eligibility to receive a flu vaccine should call the Broome County Health Department at 607.778.2839 or the Office for Aging at 607.778.2411.

Please see the Online Flu Clinic Schedule or the attached printable clinic schedule.

CONTACT:
Diane O'Hora, Supervising Public Health Educator
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.3921
email: dohora@co.broome.ny.us

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