November 5, 2009 - The York City Bureau of Health announces that they will begin offering free H1N1 vaccine by appointment to high-risk children and adults who reside in York City. The Bureau’s nursing staff will continue to vaccinate York City School children in the weeks ahead, but will set aside as many as 15 hours per week to offer H1N1 vaccines at the Health Center.

“We have had numerous calls in the last few weeks from City residents and they’re all looking for a place to get H1N1 vaccine”, said Dr. David Hawk, Medical Director of the Bureau. “We don’t have a large supply of vaccine right now, but we want to get the vaccine we have out to the people who need it the most.”

The CDC has identified the following groups as priority groups for receiving the vaccination.
· Pregnant women
· Persons six months to 24 years old
· Healthcare providers and EMS personnel
· Parents, household members or caregivers of children under 6 months
· Those under 65 with significant underlying medical conditions

One population typically at risk for seasonal flu, people over 65 years, is not considered vulnerable to complications from H1N1. However, as vaccine supply and demand for vaccine among younger age groups is being met, programs and providers will more readily offer vaccination to people over the age of 65.
York City Bureau of Health has already offered H1N1 vaccine to a number of pregnant women and will continue to offer vaccinations to all York City school children. Dr. Hawk asks that healthy adults who do not meet the above criteria, defer their H1N1 vaccination until supplies are more plentiful.

York City residents should call the York City Bureau of Health at 815-0910 to schedule an appointment for themselves or their family members. Proof of City residency is required to take part in this free vaccine program.