Broome County Schedules Flu Clinics For High Priority Groups

BINGHAMTON, NY - People in Broome County who fall into the priority groups established by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) will be able to get a flu shot this year regardless of the vaccine shortage. On Monday, December 6, 2004 the Broome County Health Department, 225 Front Street, Binghamton, will hold a clinic from 9:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. for people age 65 years and older; people 3 years and older with a chronic medical condition; women who will be pregnant during the flu season; health-care workers who provide direct, hands-on care to patients; and adults who take care of an infant less than 6 months old.

Parents are advised to seek flu shots for children under the age of 3 with a chronic medical condition and those between the ages of 6-23 months at their regular medical provider. The Broome County Health Department will provide flu shots to children in these priority groups by appointment only. Call 607.778.2839 to schedule an appointment.

The Broome County Office for Aging will also hold a series of clinics for people age 65 and older and those over the age of 50 with chronic medical conditions:

• Thursday, December 9, 2004, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Deposit Senior Center, 14 Monument Street, Deposit, NY
• Monday, December 13, 2004, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Northern Broome Senior Center, Strong Place, Whitney Point, NY
• Wednesday, December 15, 2004, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Maine Federated Church, Rt. 26, Maine, NY
• Thursday, December 16, 2004, 9:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., Eastern Broome Senior Center, 3469 NY Rte. 79, Harpursville, NY
• Monday, December 20, 2004, 1:30 p.m. - 3:00 p.m., Conklin Town Hall, Conklin Road, Conklin, NY

Immunizations will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. A nurse will screen people to ensure they fall into the priority groups established by the Centers for Disease Control. A written prescription or note from a doctor and proof of residency is not required.

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 of $20.

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/hd/.

CONTACT:
Diane O'Hora, Director of Health Education
Broome County Health Department: 607.778.3921
email: jcchytilo@co.broome.ny.us

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