The first batch of swine flu vaccines has hit local schools, as the city steps up its efforts to prevent the spread of the potentially deadly virus.
“Influenza activity usually increases between December and March when temperatures and humidity are lower. So we urge people to prepare for it by getting vaccinated,” said Dr. Thomas Farley, the city’s health commissioner.
Schools are administering free flu mist and flu shots tailored to swine flu, also known as the H1N1 virus.
City officials note that the H1N1 vaccination should be taken in addition to traditional flu shots.
“Seasonal influenza vaccine does not protect against the H1N1 virus. To protect against both kinds of influenza, people will need two different vaccinations: one for seasonal influenza, and one for H1N1 influenza,” health experts say.
But there’s one problem — it seems the demand for the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots outweighs the supply of the vaccines.
According to published reports, doctors are running out of the vaccines or never received them due to high demand from other medical offices.
However, health officials note that these are the initial vaccine shipments and more should arrive in the coming weeks. Most flu shots are administered in the winter, they say.
To find a local clinic offering flu vaccinations, visit the city’s “Influenza Information” Web site, www.nyc.gov/flu.
