NUMC to offer H1N1 vaccination

A free H1N1 vaccination program was announced on Monday by the NuHealth System, the public benefit corporation that operates the Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.

In partnership with the Nassau County Department of Health and the North Shore-LIJ Health System, vaccination point of dispensing clinics will be held at the NUMC auditorium and the A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility in Uniondale on the following dates:

- Tuesday, Nov. 17 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at NUMC

- Wednesday, Nov. 18 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at AHP

- Monday, Nov. 23 at from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at NUMC

- Tuesday, Nov. 24, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at AHP

Appointments are not needed, but note that only those priority groups recommended by the Center for Disease Control will be provided with the H1N1 vaccine.

The priority groups recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to receive the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine include:

-Pregnant women. Health officials say they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.

- Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age because younger infants are at higher risk of influenza-related complications and cannot be vaccinated. Vaccination of those in close contact with infants younger than 6 months old might help protect infants by “cocooning” them from the virus;

- Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel: infections among healthcare workers have been reported and this can be a potential source of infection for vulnerable patients. Also, increased absenteeism in this population could reduce healthcare system capacity;

- Children from 6 months through 18 years of age: cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread, and

- Young adults 19 through 24 years of age: many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population; and,

- Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.

NUMC is located at 2201 Hempstead Turnpike in East Meadow. AHP is located on 875 Jerusalem Avenue, Uniondale.

Residents who would like additional information on vaccination locations and are in one of the priority groups may call the Nassau County Department of Health H1N1 Call Center, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 1.888.684.4271 or visit the Health Department website at www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html