State lifts H1N1 restrictions

Increased supply of the H1N1 vaccination prompted the New York State Department of Health to open the shot to all residents over the age of six months.

The vaccines, which first were made available in October, were previously only given to people identified “at-risk,” as per federal guidelines.

Governor David Paterson announced the new eligibility requirements on Thursday.

“Since early October, when the H1N1 flu vaccine first became available, we have focused on providing vaccine to those New Yorkers considered at highest risk of serious illness from the flu,” Paterson said. “Now that increased supplies of vaccine are available, it is appropriate to expand access so that more New Yorkers get protection against the flu.”

Nassau County Department of Health has partnered with the North Shore-LIJ Health System and Nassau University Medical Center to provide the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine at no cost. Appointments are not needed. The vaccine will be available at the following locations to all residents over the age of 6 months:

- Sunday, Dec. 13 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Clinton Martin Park, 1650 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park.

- Tuesday, Dec. 15 – 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville.

- Tuesday, Dec. 15 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
A. Holly Patterson Extended Care Facility’s Auditorium, 875 Jerusalem Ave., Uniondale.

- Tuesday, Dec. 15 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Valley Stream Central High School, 135 Fletcher Avenue,
Valley Stream.

- Wednesday, Dec. 16 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nassau University Medical Center’s Auditorium, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow.

- Sunday, Dec. 20 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Clinton Martin Park, 1650 Marcus Ave., New Hyde Park.

- Tuesday, Dec. 22 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nassau University Medical Center’s Auditorium, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow.

-Tuesday, Dec. 29 – 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Nassau University Medical Center’s Auditorium, 2201 Hempstead Turnpike, East Meadow.

- Monday, January 4, 2010 – 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Levittown Hall, 201 Levittown Parkway, Hicksville.

Nassau County health care providers who would like to order the H1N1 vaccine may place orders through the New York State Department of Health on Tuesdays between the hours of 8:30 am and 4:45 pm by calling 1.800.KID.SHOT (1.800.543.7468).

Residents who would like additional information on H1N1 vaccination may call the Nassau County Department of Health H1N1 Call Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm at 1.888.684.4271 or visit the Health Department website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html.