As part of National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10th - 16th), Dutchess County Department of Health is holding two free H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza vaccination clinics:  Saturday, January 16th at the  Mid Hudson Civic Center located at Civic Center Plaza in the City of Poughkeepsie, and Thursday, January 21st at Cornell Cooperative Extension on 2715 Route 44 in Millbrook.  Both clinics will be held from 10am to 12pm and are by appointment only for residents six months of age and older.

National Influenza Vaccination Week highlights the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as foster greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season into January and beyond. Since the spread of 2009 H1N1 influenza will continue into this new year, getting vaccinated against both 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal influenza will help reduce the spread of these diseases in the coming months.

“Influenza is unpredictable and while we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of H1N1 influenza,” said Commissioner of Health Michael C. Caldwell, MD, MPH. “We do know that if individuals are vaccinated, the disease is less likely to spread in the coming months.“

While both 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Influenza vaccine are available to anyone who wants to reduce the likelihood of becoming ill with influenza or spreading influenza to others, there are certain groups where it is most important that individuals become vaccinated.

•  2009 H1N1 Influenza vaccine - It is important for residents who are pregnant, those that live with or take care of anyone less than six months of age, individuals who are less than 24 years of age to be vaccinated, or individuals with health conditions that put them at risk of complications from influenza.
•  Seasonal influenza - Is especially important for those individuals who are pregnant, all children 6 months to 18 years of age, anyone 50 years of age or older, or individuals with health conditions that put them at risk of complications from influenza.

Appointments can be made by visiting www.dutchessny.gov, and click on the “What to do about the Flu” button.  Residents who do not have access to the Internet can contact the Flu Vaccination Registrar at (845) 486-2226 Tuesday through Friday from 10am to 4pm.  Registration will close the day prior to the clinic at 4pm or sooner if all available appointments are filled.