SYRACUSE -- The Onondaga County Health Department is holding its last mass vaccination clinic today from 2-6pm at Drumlins. You need an appointment. You can make one by calling 435-5752 or going to the link above. H1N1 has received little media attention in recent months, but public health officialsofficials say that's no reason to let you guard down.
Here's what we reported on this issue earlier this week:
It seems like weeks since you've heard the term H1N1 or Swine Flu. Vaccine shortages are a thing of the past and no one is being turned away from getting the shot. Are we out of the woods when it comes to the fear of the virus? Not even close. According to Onondaga County Health Commissioner Cynthia Morrow, we are just in the beginning when it comes to having the H1N1 virus around. "Given how much H1N1 activity there is in the world right now, this is going to be the virus we see for the next few years. So, if people get vaccinated now, they'll still be protected," says Dr. Morrow.
Flu season in Central New York tends to heat up in February and early March and that means we could see a strong comeback of the Swine Flu. Because the virus is so unpredictable, it is something that is here to stay. "My best guess is this is going to take over the seasonal flu for the next few years," says Dr. Morrow.
With a virus like this, now is the time to take the steps to protect yourself. Health professionals are using this down time to get the word out to people to get vaccinated. If you had a confirmed case of H1N1, you don't need the shot. But if you only think you had the virus, it's better to be safe than sorry.
