GOVERNOR PATERSON URGES HEALTH CARE PROVIDERS TO REGISTER NOW FOR NOVEL H1N1 VACCINE

Health Care Providers Must Pre-register with State Health Department to Receive New Vaccine

New Yorkers Encouraged To Get Seasonal Flu Vaccine Now, Novel H1N1 Vaccine When Available

Governor David A. Paterson today urged health care providers to pre-register to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine for their patients.

“In just two weeks the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is expected to begin shipping this vaccine to states. We want to make sure that health care providers in New York State are set up to receive the vaccine so that it can reach high-priority patients as soon as possible,” said Governor Paterson.

Governor Paterson noted that the State Department of Health (DOH) is coordinating the distribution of novel H1N1 flu vaccine in New York State, with the assistance of county health departments. Health care providers who want to provide vaccine for their patients must pre-register now on the DOH website.

DOH recently provided instructions to pediatric and adult health care providers outside of New York City on how to register to receive the novel H1N1 vaccine, and such providers can find more information on DOH’s website at www.nyhealth.gov. Health care providers within New York City should contact the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene for instructions on how to receive the vaccine.

Governor Paterson urged all New Yorkers to get vaccinated now for seasonal flu and urged high-risk priority groups to be first in line to get the new H1N1 flu vaccine when it becomes available.

“With the reopening of colleges and public schools, more people are spending time indoors in close quarters,” said Governor Paterson. “Not surprisingly, we are beginning to receive reports of flu outbreaks in colleges as well as individual cases in communities. I encourage all New Yorkers to get their seasonal influenza shot now. Individuals in high-risk priority groups should also make plans to get the new H1N1 vaccine as soon as it is available.”

The priority groups established by the CDC include pregnant women, health care workers, caregivers and household contacts of infants less than six months of age, children and young people between six months and 24 years of age, and individuals between the ages 25 of 64 who have underlying medical conditions. As more vaccine becomes available, other New Yorkers will be able to get vaccinated. The vaccine will be distributed through many community sites across the State.

Earlier this week, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved four novel H1N1 vaccines that will be distributed nationally. The FDA also reported that, based on clinical studies, it is likely that adults will only need one dose of the vaccine.

According to the CDC, limited supplies of novel H1N1 vaccine may be available in the first week of October, one week earlier than expected. Approximately 45 million additional doses will then become available in mid-October, followed by more shipments each week. New York State expects to receive 6 to 7 percent of the total national vaccine supply, based on population.

“We must do everything within our power to ensure the health and well-being of our families,” said Governor Paterson. “As we enter the influenza season, New Yorkers can be confident that their government is working around the clock to limit the impact of novel H1N1 flu to the greatest degree possible. Over the last several months, State agencies have been working to develop comprehensive plans to minimize the effects of the virus and they are implementing these plans now.”

To help New Yorkers obtain the most up-to-date information on novel H1N1 flu, DOH will post weekly updates on its website at www.nyhealth.gov. DOH recently posted many new educational resources on novel H1N1 flu on this site, including advice for students and parents, family caregivers, individuals at high risk for complications from the flu, employers, health care providers and others.

DOH has also launched a new mass media campaign to encourage the public’s participation in slowing the spread of the flu. On September 13, a 60-second radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) began airing on radio stations. A 30-second TV PSA will begin airing shortly. The PSAs can be downloaded from the DOH website.

“Each of us plays an important role in reducing the spread of the flu,” said Governor Paterson. “I urge all New Yorkers to follow the common-sense measures we have recommended in order to stay healthy.”

These measures include:

• Getting the seasonal flu vaccine now.
• Getting the novel H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to you, according to the priority groups established by CDC.
• Washing hands often with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizers when you aren’t near a sink.
• Avoiding close contact with people who are ill.
• Staying home from work or school when sick.
• Coughing and sneezing into a tissue or your sleeve, not your hands.
• Keeping hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.

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