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David A. Paterson, Governor
Gladys Carrión, Esq., Commissioner

Office of Children & Family Services

H1N1 Flu Image
H1N1 Influenza Information


 

National Influenza Vaccination Week: January 10-16 


Dear Friends:

You may have noticed the spread of the H1N1 flu decreasing lately. What many don’t know is that flu season typically lasts through May, and that past pandemics have occurred in waves. In other words, it’s possible that we will see another increase in H1N1 and/or seasonal flu in the months ahead. That’s why the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has designated January 10-16 as National Influenza Vaccination Week. Below are some useful tips provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for you to share with your family and friends as you begin the New Year.

  1. Add the Vaccine to Your New Year’s Resolutions List – Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu. To find the H1N1 and seasonal flu vaccine clinics nearest you, visit FLU.gov and type in your zip code. The Department of Health and Human Services recently teamed up with Google Maps to create this handy flu vaccine locator. Go ahead, try it out! NOTE: Please call ahead to the desired clinic location to confirm availability. Contact information is listed on the FLU.gov vaccine locator.
  2. Be a Germ Stopper – Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze, wash your hands often, and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way. Also, stay home if you are sick and avoid close contact with people who are sick. For additional information, see how to prevent and treat the flu.
  3. Check the Facts and Stay Informed – Visit FLU.gov regularly for the latest information. Heard a rumor? Visit Myths & Facts to run a fact check.

If you’ve been vaccinated already, please share this email with friends and family and let them know why the H1N1 vaccine is safe. The 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is made the same way as the seasonal flu vaccine. Millions of people have safely received the H1N1 vaccine, including the President, First Lady and their children.

To learn more about National Influenza Vaccination Week, please visit www.FLU.gov/getvaccinated.
Questions? Visit FLU.gov or call the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) hotline 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636), offering services in English and Spanish, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Wishing you a happy and healthy new year.

Gladys Carrión, Esq.


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H1N1 Influenza Information

Welcome to the Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) H1N1 webpage. As you know, we are expecting a challenging flu season in anticipation of a second wave of H1N1 virus in addition to the seasonal flu. OCFS, under the leadership of Governor Paterson and with New York State Health Commissioner Daines, has been working with our partners on the local, state and federal levels to reduce the spread and severity of the illness as well as protect our employees and the children and families we serve.  We emphasize the importance of precautionary measures with the following steps that everyone can take to be prepared:

  • Stay Informed: Please visit the websites listed on this page. As information changes, webpages are updated frequently.

  • Practice good health etiquette: See the general recommendations below to avoid spreading the flu.

  • Get Vaccinated: DOH recommends that everyone get both the seasonal and H1N1 flu shots, especially those in high-risk groups.

  • Care for yourself and for those who have the flu: If you are sick, stay home and limit contact to avoid infecting others.

General Recommendations for the Prevention of getting or spreading the flu:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use a hand sanitizer.

  • Avoid people who are ill, and stay home if you are sick.

  • Use tissue when you cough, sneeze or spit, or cough and sneeze into your elbow/upper sleeve.

  • Dispose of the tissues in a no-touch trash receptacle.

  • Keep hands away from your face. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

  • Clean shared space more often such as phone receivers, keyboards, steering wheels and office equipment.


Frequently asked Questions and Answers

NYS Flu Hotline

H1N1 NYS Flu Hotline
1-800-808-1987
New York City Residents Call 311


H1N1 Videos

H1N1 INFORMATION

OCFS H1N1 Letters

H1N1 Flu Vaccination/Local County Health Departments

Governor's Website for H1N1

Congregate Care Guidance

Information for school and childcare providers

NYState Education Department and the Department of Health have disseminated a number of joint communications

Communications Toolkit for Childcare and Early Childcare Programs

Communications Toolkit for Schools Grades K-12

Other Resources

H1N1 Resources for at-risk Populations

Business Continuity Planning Guidance Documents

For the global picture on the evolving swine flu situation

For the national picture on the evolving swine flu situation

For the state picture on the evolving swine flu situation