Community And Senior Center Flu Clinics Now Scheduled For 2004 - 2005 Flu Season
BINGHAMTON, NY - The Broome County Health Department and the Office for Aging will now offer community-based Flu Clinics. The New York State Department of Health, Lourdes Hospital and Broome Community College has made flu vaccine available to the Broome County Health Department. Medical Provider offices were offered and have declined additional doses of vaccine. Therefore, at this time these doses will be offered through community-based and senior center clinics. The Broome County Health Department Clinic will hold its clinic on Monday, December 6, 2004 from 9:00 - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 - 3:30 p.m. at the Broome County Health Department, 225 Front Street, Binghamton. There is plenty of free parking at the Health Department building, which is located at the corner of Front and Clinton Streets. Broome County Transit buses #7 and #8 stop at the Health Department. The Broome County Office for Aging will also offer the first of several clinics on Thursday, December 9, 2004 from 9:30 - 11:00 a.m. at the Deposit Senior Center, 14 Monument Street, Deposit.
Flu shots will be given only to those who fall into the priority groups established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). A public health nurse will screen people to see if they qualify. The following priority groups for vaccination are:
- Adults aged 65 years or older - even if you are in great health;
- All children aged 6 - 23 months - Children younger than 2 years old have one of the highest rates of hospitalization from influenza;
- Adults and children 2 years of age and older with chronic health conditions - Like heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, asthma, cancer, or HIV/AIDS;
- Women who will be pregnant during the influenza season - Flu season is typically November through March;
- Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities;
- Children aged 6 months - 18 years who take aspirin daily;
- Health-care workers who provide direct, hands-on care to patients; and
- Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children aged less than 6 months (children under the age of 6 months cannot be vaccinated).
Parents are advised to seek flu shots for children at their regular medical provider.
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 program must go to their primary care provider. All other persons will be charged a fee.
Residents are urged to call the Health Department Influenza Information Line at 607.778.3911, Option 1, to hear a recording of current clinic schedules or go to the Broome County Government website at www.gobroomecounty.com/safety.
CONTACT:
Jan Chytilo, Director of Health Education
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.3944
email: jcchytilo@co.broome.ny.us
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