Contact: Constance Kramer

Director, Oneida County Health Dept.
 (315) 794-5533

 ONEIDA COUNTY BUYS FLU VACCINE
 TO OFFSET SHORTAGE

Oneida County Executive Ralph J. Eannace Jr., in consultation with the County Board of Legislature, announced today that the County has purchased an initial supply of flu vaccine to offset the present shortage.

"After weeks of searching for the vaccine in the midst of a shortage, we finally found a provider who was able to let us purchase the last of their current supply," Eannace said. "This purchase allows us to at least begin to service residents in Oneida County in need of flu shots."

The clinics will be for persons 65 and older and will be from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Monday, November 13 at the Oneida County Health Clinic on Elizabeth Street in Utica and between 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. and between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. on Friday, November 17 at the Ava Dorfman Senior Center on E. Locust Street in Rome.

Flu vaccine will be administered to persons per the Center for Disease Control guidelines as follows:

• Persons 65 and over;
• Persons who have chronic disorders such as pulmonary or cardiovascular and metabolic disorders;
• And women who will be in the second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season.

There will be a $10 charge for all shots, which can be covered with Medicaid or Medicare benefits.

Residents with questions about the clinics or eligibility should contact the Oneida County Health Department between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. at (315) 798-5747.