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2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Fall Update - #9

Tuesday, November 18, 2009, 5:00 P.M.
Linda Mermelstein, MD, MPH
Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Health Services

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Status:

1. Yesterday, Suffolk County Department of Health Services received 21,500 doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine, 80% of which are pediatric and adult (age 4 years and older) doses in preservative-free pre-filled syringes and 17% of which are pediatric doses (6 months and older) preservative-free pre-filled syringes and 3% of which are live attenuated nasal spray. The Department has received a total of 60,500 doses of H1N1 vaccine so far. The Department will continue to order vaccine as long as it is available.

2. As of yesterday, the Department has held eleven (11) public Points of Distribution (POD) clinics in various locations throughout Suffolk including Riverhead, Brentwood, Wyandanch, Selden, Hauppauge, Holbrook, Mastic, Oakdale, Shirley, and Commack since November 5, 2009. These clinics have been for people in priority groups identified by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) who have contacted the Department on our H1N1 influenza hotline or who have come to our open clinics for pregnant women. So far, approximately 3,387 people have received H1N1 vaccine in the Department's POD clinics. The public is encouraged to first contact their own providers within the community for immunization with H1N1 influenza vaccine, as vaccine has also been shipped to providers within our community. Those in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccine who are unable to obtain vaccine from their providers can call the Suffolk County Public Health hotline at 631-787-2200 to be put on the contact list for the Department's POD clinics.

3. The Department is holding an open clinic Thursday, November 19, 2009 at the Town of Southold Recreation Center at 90 Peconic Lane, Peconic, NY from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This clinic is ONLY for people in priority groups identified by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Priority groups include the following:

  • Pregnant Women
  • People who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months
  • Health care and emergency medical services personnel
  • People 6 months through 24 years of age, and
  • People 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications (http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/highrisk.htm)

The vaccine will be administered free of charge to those attending the clinic and no appointment is necessary. Check the Suffolk County Department of Health Services website for updates and information on clinics and for the hotline number: http://www.suffolkcountyny.gov/departments/healthservices.aspx.

4. The Department has been distributing H1N1 influenza vaccine to local health care providers who have been unable to obtain it from the State. Thus far, about 6,000 doses have been distributed to local providers including EMS agency medical directors, and distribution will continue as long as vaccine is available. It is estimated that by the end of the week the Department will have distributed about 10,000 doses. Every provider who has requested vaccine from the Department has been contacted to provide vaccine. If these providers need additional vaccine, they can contact the Department again at the Public Health Division at 631-853-3055, as our supply has increased. Providers who are interested in receiving H1N1 influenza vaccine and who have not already contacted the Department to be put on our distribution list can call the Department's Public Health Division at 631-853-3055 to request it. Providers will be contacted by our staff to make arrangements for them to pick up the vaccine. Providers must have registered for vaccine on the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) website and have an H1N1 PIN # to receive vaccine from our Department.

5. The Department has continued to provide the H1N1 influenza vaccine in its own health care facilities including the network of primary care health centers and skilled nursing facility.

6. The Department is also offering the vaccine to hospitals upon request. The balance of the Department's H1N1 vaccine supply will go to the hospitals. Hospitals should contact the Division of Public Health at 631-853-3055 to request vaccine when needed.

7. Providers who have not registered to receive vaccine should do so on the NYSDOH website at: https://hcsteamwork1.health.state.ny.us/pub/top.html. NYSDOH influenza guidance and information is also available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/. It is our understanding that all providers who want to order H1N1 vaccine must register on the NYSDOH website and receive an H1N1 PIN #. Providers should frequently check the NYSDOH website and NYSDOH Commerce website for up-to-date information, as the guidance is subject to change. Providers who do order vaccine should make sure they have appropriate storage facilities for the vaccine, once it is received.

8. Health care providers should note that there is a separate pre-registration process to administer the H1N1 vaccine to adult patients (age 19 years and older). New York State Law also requires all vaccinations of pediatric patients (less than 19 years of age) to be entered into the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), the state's immunization registry. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services urges health care providers to make plans now to vaccinate priority target populations against the H1N1 virus as soon as the vaccine is available.

9. As an important reminder, the new H1N1 influenza vaccine that is available is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine - it is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people against illness and disease. Suffolk County Department of Health Services has been holding mass vaccination seasonal flu POD clinics since the vaccine became available and these will continue through the end of November, 2009, and possibly longer, depending on availability of seasonal flu vaccine. The location and dates for these PODs can be found on our department's website, www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health. Experts here at the Department of Health Services conclude that both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself and one's loved ones against the discomfort and the possibility of serious complications of both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza.

Schools and Child Care Providers:

1. Schools and Child Care Providers should continue to follow the guidance of NYS Department of Education and Department of Health which can be found at the following website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/schools_and_child_care_providers/.

2. Schools should continue to complete absenteeism surveys on the Health Provider Network. Information on this survey is available on the website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/schools_and_child_care_providers/

3. Schools and Child Care Providers needing guidance from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Division of Public Health should call the Division at 631-853-3055.

Influenza Monitoring Information:-

1. Suffolk County has continued to see clusters of H1N1 influenza and increased absenteeism rates throughout schools in the County. Parents are encouraged to teach their children to cover their coughs and sneezes and use good hand hygiene, and keep their children home from school or other public settings when they are sick. The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

2. Detailed information on influenza monitoring in New York State is available on the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/.

3. Detailed information on influenza monitoring in the United States is available on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.

4. Both the President of the United States and the Governor of New York State have declared a Public Health Emergency, which allows the State hospitals flexibility in addressing surges due to influenza-like illness and increases the availability of vaccinators and facilitates distribution of vaccine within New York State. For more detailed information on these declarations, go to: http://www.flu.gov/professional/federal/h1n1emergency10242009.html and http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_1029094.html.

Where to Direct Questions:

1. Questions from the general public or from health care providers about H1N1 influenza should be directed to a special NYSDOH H1N1 Influenza Hotline, 1-800-808-1987, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services also has a Suffolk County H1N1 Influenza Hotline, (631) 787-2200, which is currently open on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Should the need arise, we will expand hours as appropriate.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Division of Public Health: 1-631-853-3055

(Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; no weekend hours)

2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Fall Update - #8

Tuesday, November 10, 2009, 3:00 P.M.
Linda Mermelstein, MD, MPH
Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Health Services

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Status:

  1. Today, Suffolk County Department of Health Services received 30,500 doses of H1N1 influenza vaccine, three quarters of which are pediatric and adult (age 4 years and older) doses in multidose vials and a quarter of which are pediatric doses (6 months and older) in multidose vials. As of yesterday, the Department has held four Public Points of Distribution (POD) clinics in Commack, Shirley, Mastic, and Oakdale. The Department contacted the people in priority groups identified by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) to come to these POD clinics and will continue to do so for the almost daily clinics that have been scheduled throughout the County. So far, approximately 1,200 people have received H1N1 vaccine in the Department's POD clinics. The public is encouraged to first contact their own providers within the community for immunization with H1N1 influenza vaccine, as vaccine has also been shipped to providers within our community. Those in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccine who are unable to obtain vaccine from their providers can call the Suffolk County Public Health hotline at 631-787-2200 to be put on the contact list for the Department's POD clinics. NOTE: The Suffolk County H1N1 Influenza hotline will take calls on the Veterans Day Holiday on Wednesday, November 11, 2009.
  2. The Department will be holding an H1N1 influenza vaccine POD Clinic for Pregnant Women only on Thursday, November 12, 2009 from 3 PM to 5 PM at 225 Rabro Drive East, Hauppauge, NY 11788. Pregnant women do not need to call for an appointment, they can just show up to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine. The vaccine will be administered free of charge to those attending the clinic. The H1N1 influenza vaccine available at this clinic is the inactivated type (the "shot") and has trace amounts of the preservative Thimerosal. According to the CDC, three leading federal agencies (CDC, FDA, and NIH) have reviewed the published research on Thimerosal and found it to be a safe product to use in vaccines. Pregnant women with any questions about H1N1 influenza vaccine safety can contact their own health care provider.
  3. The Department will begin distributing H1N1 influenza vaccine to local health care providers who have been unable to obtain it from the State so far. Providers who are interested in receiving H1N1 influenza vaccine and who have not already contacted the Department to be put on our distribution list can call the Department's Public Health Division at 631-853-3055 to request it. Providers will be contacted by our staff to make arrangements for them to pick up the vaccine. NOTE: The Department's Public Health Division office will be closed on Wednesday, November 11, 2009 due to the Veterans Day Holiday.
  4. Providers who have not registered to receive vaccine should do so on the NYSDOH website at: https://hcsteamwork1.health.state.ny.us/pub/top.html. NYSDOH influenza guidance and information is also available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/. It is our understanding that all providers who want to order H1N1 vaccine must register on the NYSDOH website and receive an H1N1 Pin #. Providers should frequently check the NYSDOH website and NYSDOH Commerce website for up to date information, as the guidance is subject to change. Providers who do order vaccine should make sure they have appropriate storage facilities for the vaccine, once it is received.
  5. Health care providers should note that there is a separate pre-registration process to administer the H1N1 vaccine to adult patients (age 19 years and older). New York State Law also requires all vaccinations of pediatric patients (less than 19 years of age) to be entered into the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), the state's immunization registry. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services urges health care providers to make plans now to vaccinate priority target populations against the H1N1 virus as soon as the vaccine is available.
  6. As an important reminder, the new H1N1 influenza vaccine that is available is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine - it is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people against illness and disease. Suffolk County Department of Health Services has been holding mass vaccination seasonal flu POD clinics since the vaccine became available and these will continue through the end of November, 2009, and possibly longer, depending on availability of seasonal flu vaccine. The location and dates for these PODs can be found on our department's website, www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health. Experts here at the Department of Health Services conclude that both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself and one's loved ones against the discomfort and the possibility of serious complications of both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza.

Schools and Child Care Providers:
1. Schools and Child Care Providers should continue to follow the guidance of NYS Department of Education and Department of Health which can be found at the following website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/schools_and_child_care_providers/.

2. Schools should continue to complete absenteeism surveys on the Health Provider Network. Information on this survey is available on the website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/schools_and_child_care_providers/

3. Schools and Child Care Providers needing guidance from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Division of Public Health should call the Division at 631-853-3055.

Influenza Monitoring Information:
1. Suffolk County has continued to see clusters of H1N1 influenza and increased absenteeism rates throughout schools in the County. Parents are encouraged to teach their children to cover their coughs and sneezes and use good hand hygiene, and keep their children home from school or other public settings when they are sick. The CDC recommends that people with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8°C]), or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications.

2. Detailed information on influenza monitoring in New York State is available on the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/.

3. Detailed information on influenza monitoring in the United States is available on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.

4. Both the President of the United States and the Governor of New York State have declared a Public Health Emergency, which allows the State hospitals flexibility in addressing surges due to influenza-like illness and increases the availability of vaccinators and facilitates distribution of vaccine within New York State. For more detailed information on these declarations, go to: http://www.flu.gov/professional/federal/h1n1emergency10242009.html and http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_1029094.html.

Where to Direct Questions:

1. Questions from the general public or from health care providers about H1N1 influenza should be directed to a special NYSDOH H1N1 Influenza Hotline, 1-800-808-1987, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services also has a Suffolk County H1N1 Influenza Hotline, (631) 787-2200, which is currently open on weekdays from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Should the need arise, we will expand hours as appropriate.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Division of Public Health: 1-631-853-3055

(Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; no weekend hours)

(Updated 11/11/09)

2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Fall Update - #7

Wednesday, November 4, 2009, 12:00 P.M.
Linda Mermelstein, MD, MPH
Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Health Services

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Status:

  1. Suffolk County providers have begun to receive H1N1 vaccine from the New York State Department of Health. This past Monday (11/2/09), the Suffolk County Department of Health Services received a portion of its H1N1 vaccine order from the prior week (6,710 doses) and again placed an order for H1N1 vaccine which is anticipated to arrive next week. H1N1 vaccine received by Suffolk County Department of Health Services included flu mist and inactivated influenza adult and pediatric (age 4 years and older) doses. The vaccine received by the Department is being split for use in its facilities and for Public Points of Distribution (POD) clinics within the County. These clinics are being scheduled and initially, they will be by invitation only for Suffolk County residents in the priority groups identified by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The Department already has a long waiting list for Suffolk County residents in these high priority groups. The public is encouraged to first contact their own providers within the community for immunization with H1N1, as vaccine has also been shipped to providers within our community. Suffolk County residents should check back with their providers as well, as more and more vaccine is expected to be shipped to sites within Suffolk County. Those in the priority groups for H1N1 vaccine who are unable to obtain vaccine from their providers can call the Suffolk County Public Health hotline at 631-787-2200 to be put on the list for the Department's POD clinics.
  2. Providers who have not registered to receive vaccine should do so on the NYSDOH website at: https://hcsteamwork1.health.state.ny.us/pub/top.html. NYSDOH influenza guidance and information is also available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/. It is our understanding that all providers who want to order H1N1 vaccine must register on the NYSDOH website and receive an H1N1 Pin #. Providers should frequently check the NYSDOH website and NYSDOH Commerce website for up to date information, as the guidance is subject to change. Providers who do order vaccine should make sure they have appropriate storage facilities for the vaccine, once it is received.
  3. Health care providers should note that there is a separate pre-registration process to administer the H1N1 vaccine to adult patients (age 19 years and older). New York State Law also requires all vaccinations of pediatric patients (less than 19 years of age) to be entered into the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), the state's immunization registry. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services urges health care providers to make plans now to vaccinate priority target populations against the H1N1 virus as soon as the vaccine is available.
  4. Providers who are interested in immunizing their patients but who are unable to obtain vaccine from the New York State Department of Health should contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Division of Public Health at 631-853-3055 to request to be put on a list of providers to receive vaccine from the Department as it becomes available.
  5. As an important reminder, the new H1N1 influenza vaccine that will be made available shortly is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine - it is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people against illness and disease. Suffolk County Department of Health Services has been holding mass vaccination seasonal flu POD clinics since the vaccine became available and these will continue through November, 2009, and possibly longer, depending on availability of seasonal flu vaccine. The location and dates for these PODs can be found on our department's website, www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health. Experts here at the Department of Health Services conclude that both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself and one's loved ones against the discomfort and the possibility of serious complications of both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza.

Schools and Child Care Providers:

  1. Schools and Child Care Providers should continue to follow the guidance of NYS Department of Education and Department of Health which can be found at the following website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/schools_and_child_care_providers/.
  2. Schools should continue to complete absenteeism surveys on the Health Provider Network. Information on this survey is available on the website: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/schools_and_child_care_providers/
  3. Schools and Child Care Providers needing guidance from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Division of Public Health should call the Division at 631-853-3055
Influenza Monitoring Information:
  1. Suffolk County has seen an increase in emergency room visits for influenza-like illness, and there continue to be clusters of H1N1 influenza throughout schools in the County.
  2. Current key findings from flu monitoring systems in New York State for the week ending October 24, 2009 showed that the overall level of flu activity is currently high and appears to be increasing compared to last week. The number of people hospitalized with flu is low and appears to be increasing compared to last week. The total number of deaths associated with H1N1 flu reported in NYS (outside of NYC) since April 24, 2009, is 34. More detailed information is available on the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/.
  3. The CDC reports that nationally during the week of October 18-24, 2009, forty eight (48) states are reporting widespread activity and the proportion of influenza-like illness outpatient visits was above the national baseline. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was above the epidemic threshold. In addition, 22 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported during the week ending October 24, 2009; 19 of these deaths were confirmed 2009 H1N1 and 3 were unsubtyped influenza A. A total of 114 laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1 pediatric deaths have been reported to CDC since April 2009. In addition, according to the CDC, almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception. More detailed information is available on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.
  4. Both the President of the United States and the Governor of New York State have declared a Public Health Emergency, which allows the State hospitals flexibility in addressing surges due to influenza-like illness and increases the availability of vaccinators and facilitates distribution of vaccine within New York State. For more detailed information on these declarations, go to: http://www.flu.gov/professional/federal/h1n1emergency10242009.html and http://www.ny.gov/governor/press/press_1029094.htm
Where to Direct Questions:
  1. Questions from the general public or from health care providers about H1N1 influenza should be directed to a special NYSDOH H1N1 Influenza Hotline, 1-800-808-1987, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services also has a Suffolk County H1N1 Influenza Hotline, (631) 787-2200, which is currently open on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Should the need arise, we will expand hours as appropriate.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Division of Public Health: 1-631-853-3055

(Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; no weekend hours)

(Updated 11/04/09)

2009 H1N1 Influenza Virus Fall Update - #5

Wednesday, October 21, 2009, 9:00 A.M.
Linda Mermelstein, MD, MPH
Acting Commissioner, Suffolk County Department of Health Services

H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Status:

  1. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has provided its latest instructions for ordering of the H1N1 vaccine and the Suffolk County Department of Health Services is following these instructions and the guidance of the State Health Department. The guidance has been subject to change, so our Department is following the guidance closely and will provide updates as they become available.

  2. Providers who have not registered to receive vaccine should do so on the NYSDOH website at: https://hcsteamwork1.health.state.ny.us/pub/top.html. NYSDOH influenza guidance and information is also available at: http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/. It is our understanding that all providers that want to order H1N1 vaccine must register on the NYSDOH website and receive an H1N1 Pin #. Some vaccine will be shipped directly to providers by NYSDOH and those providers who are ordering amounts less than 100 doses will ultimately receive their vaccine from the Suffolk County Department of Health Services (when it becomes available). Providers should frequently check the NYSDOH website and NYSDOH Commerce website for up to date information, as the guidance is subject to change. Providers who do order vaccine should make sure they have appropriate storage facilities for the vaccine, once it is received.

  3. Health care providers should note that there is a separate pre-registration process to administer the H1N1 vaccine to adult patients (age 19 years and older) because New York State Law requires all vaccinations of pediatric patients (less than 19 years of age) to be entered into the New York State Immunization Information System (NYSIIS), the state's immunization registry. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services urges health care providers to make plans now to vaccinate priority target populations against the H1N1 virus as soon as the vaccine is available.

  4. The earliest that the Suffolk County will be able to order vaccine is Monday, October 26, 2009 and it is expected that this delivery will be received during the week following (e.g. the week of November 2, 2009). Upon receipt of the vaccine, the department will distribute the vaccine it receives to our health centers, pediatric immunization staff for their community clinics, and to Suffolk County pediatricians and primary care providers so that it can be administered to those people for whom it is indicated. The department will also begin to schedule its own Points of Distribution (“POD”) clinics. H1N1 vaccine will be given, starting with the priority groups identified by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

  5. In Suffolk County, the H1N1 vaccine is expected to be administered by community health care providers through private practices, hospitals and medical centers, participating retail pharmacies, community health centers operated by the Suffolk County Department of Health Services, community pediatric immunization clinics, mass vaccination PODs (Points of Dispensing) that will be held in various sites in Suffolk County, and at those public and private schools that wish to do so (Suffolk County schools interested in holding an H1N1 vaccination clinic at their site should have their school physician or nurse practitioner pre-register for the H1N1 vaccine with the NYSDOH and alert our department of their interest and intent.)

  6. Providers who are interested in immunizing their patients but who are unable to obtain vaccine from the New York State Department of Health should contact the Suffolk County Department of Health Services Division of Public Health at 631-853-3055 to request to be put on a list of providers to receive vaccine from the Department as it becomes available.

  7. As an important reminder, the new H1N1 influenza vaccine that will be made available shortly is not intended to replace the seasonal flu vaccine - it is intended to be used alongside seasonal flu vaccine to protect people against illness and disease. Suffolk County Department of Health Services has been holding mass vaccination seasonal flu POD clinics since the vaccine became available and these will continue through November, 2009. The location and dates for these PODs can be found on our department's website, www.suffolkcountyny.gov/health. Experts here at the Department of Health Services conclude that both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza vaccination is the most effective way to protect oneself and one's loved ones against the discomfort and serious complications of both seasonal and Novel H1N1 influenza.

Influenza Monitoring Information:

  1. Current key findings from flu monitoring systems in New York State for the week ending October 10, 2009 showed that the overall level of flu activity is currently widespread and Laboratory-confirmed influenza activity was reported in 41 counties (including NYC). More detailed information is available on the New York State Department of Health website at http://www.health.state.ny.us/diseases/communicable/influenza/h1n1/.

  2. The CDC reports that nationally during the week ending October 4-10, 2009, forty one (41) states are reporting widespread activity and the proportion of influenza like illness outpatient visits was above the national baseline. The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was above the epidemic threshold. In addition, 11 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported during the week ending October 10, 2009; 10 of these deaths were confirmed 2009 H1N1 and 1 was unsubtyped influenza A. A total of 86 laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1 pediatric deaths have been reported to CDC since April 2009. In addition, according to the CDC, almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far are 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception. More detailed information is available on the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm.

Where to Direct Questions:

  1. Questions from the general public or from health care providers about H1N1 influenza should be directed to a special NYSDOH H1N1 Influenza Hotline, 1-800-808-1987, which is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Suffolk County Department of Health Services also has a Suffolk County H1N1 Influenza Hotline, (631) 787-2200, which is currently open on weekdays from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Should the need arise, we will expand hours as appropriate.

Suffolk County Department of Health Services' Division of Public Health: 1-631-853-3055

(Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; no weekend hours)

(Updated 10/27/09)

SSHSC H1N1 Influenza Update: September 22, 2009
The current information available on the H1N1 Influenza A

http://schoolhealthservices.org/a-zindex.cfm?subpage=109

http://www.schoolhealthservicesny.com/h1n1.cfm

Suffolk County Department of Health Services H1N1 Influenza Fall Update #1: Monday, September 7, 2009

Read the H1N1 Fall Update Dated September 7th, 2009 from Suffolk County Deparment of Health Services Commissioner, Humayun J Chaundhry, D.O., M.S.

From the NYS Department of Health:
  • Since the last Update from the NYSDOH, 77 additional cases of H1N1 (Swine Flu) have been confirmed: 1 case in Cortland County, 2 cases in Dutchess County, 6 cases in Erie County, 2 cases in Monroe County, 1 case in Nassau County, 16 cases in Onondaga County, 1 case in Oswego County, 6 cases in Suffolk County, 1 case in Tompkins County, 8 cases in Westchester County, and 33 cases in New York City.
  • As of June 8th there are a total of 1007 confirmed cases of H1N1 Influenza A in New York State with 623 of the cases centered in the New York City area. The map of the locations of the confirmed cases by county can be found on our H1N1 page link listed above (it is in the third section from the top).

From the World Health Organization:

  • As of 06:00 GMT, 8 June 2009, 73 countries have officially reported 25,288 cases of influenza A(H1N1) infection, including 139 deaths.
  • A world map illustrating the breakdown of the number of laboratory-confirmed cases by country is found on our site at the link above.
  • The current phase of alert in the WHO Global Influenza Preparedness Plan remains unchanged at Phase 5.

From the Centers for Disease Control:

  • The CDC is now updating their numbers on a weekly basis.
  • They currently report 858 confirmed cases in New York State with 8 deaths related to the virus.
  • The CDC notes: Because of daily reporting deadlines, the state totals reported by CDC may not always be consistent with those reported by state health departments. If there is a discrepancy between these two counts, data from the state health departments should be used as the most accurate number.
  • New York is categorized as having a “Regional Spread” of the disease. The categories of geographic spread are:
    • Sporadic
    • Local
    • Regional
    • Widespread

    (Updated June 11, 2009)

Connect Ed Call and Follow Up Letter

Read the phone message sent to Sachem residents and read the follow up letter from the Administrative Assistant for Health and Physical Education, dated June 9, 1009 . No additional cases as of the writing of this letter have been confirmed. However, we have seen multiple cases of influenza throughout the district.

(Updated June 9, 2009)

Possible and Confirmed Case in Sachem CSD

Read the Letter from the Administrative Assistant for Health and Physical Education. It contains information from the Suffolk County Department of Health that there are students who attend the Sachem School District that have retrospectively been identified as having had a confirmed and possible case of H1N1 influenza, commonly known as swine flu. There is one confirmed case at Sequoya Middle School and one possible case at Sachem High School North. Please Read the Letter for details and preventative measures.

(Updated June 2, 2009)

Suffolk County Department of Health: April 30, 2009 Swine Flu Alert Update

Read the Swine Flu: What Suffolk Country Residents Need to Know Updated April 30, 2009 Letter from the Suffolk County Department of Health. The letter contains 6 questions and answers, including: a description of the swine flu, an update on the US and Suffolk Country cases, signs and symptoms, what to do if you may have the flu, how to protect yourself from the flu, and what do to if feeling overwhelmed by the threat of swine flu.

(Updated May 1, 2009)

Letter to Parents from the Superintendent

Read the Letter to Parents from the Superintendent describing the threat of swine flu, description of symptoms, how the flu is transmitted and preventative measures to take against the flu.

(Updated April 27, 2009)

Suffolk County Department of Health Letter: Swine Flu

Read the Letter from the Suffolk County Department of Health dated April 27, 2009 containing the state of Public Health Emergency Regarding Swine Flu. The letter includes information to help prevent the spread of germs which cause illnesses such as the swine flu.

(Updated April 27, 2009)

Additional Resources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) Main Page:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

CDC General Information Page for H1N1 (Swine) Flu:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/general_info.htm

New York Statewide School Health Services Center (NYSSHSC): Swine Flu Resources:
http://www.schoolhealthservicesny.com/news.cfm?story=67

New York State Department of Health: Swine Flu (H1N1 Flu) Resources:
http://www.nyhealth.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/seasonal/swine_flu/

New York Statewide Health Services Center (NYSSSHSC) Main Site:
http://www.schoolhealthservicesny.com

New York State Department of Health Main Site:
http://www.nyhealth.gov

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Main Site:
http://www.cdc.gov

24 hour toll-free hotline for New Yorkers:
1-800-808-1987 (24 hours each day)

Suffolk County Department of Health Services: Division of Public Health:
631-853-3055 (weekdays 9am-5pm)

(Resources Updated May 3, 2009)

 
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