December 18, 2009

Nassau County Department of Health Gives First H1N1 Vaccines To Staff and Students in School

Rockville Centre, NY – Nassau County Department of Health partnered with the Rockville Centre School District today to vaccinate students and staff.  In total, 518 staff and students in grades kindergarten through 12 at seven schools throughout the district received H1N1 influenza vaccine.  Rockville Centre was the first school in Nassau County to have their students vaccinated during the school day.  The vaccine was administered to those students who received parental consent.

“This historic endeavor could not have been accomplished without the partnership of the Rockville Centre School District.  The H1N1 flu virus can have effects that are particularly serious among children; vaccinating children against H1N1 is a high priority and will provide protection against further illness,” said Nassau County Health Commissioner Dr. Maria Torroella Carney.

“I could not imagine a better partner in accomplishing our goal of vaccinating students in the Rockville Centre Schools than the Nassau County Health Department. There were numerous bumps in the road along the way, but no member of the Rockville Centre staff or the Nassau County Department of Health lost sight of the goal to have our children vaccinated. I believe this is a good example of two very different governmental agencies that share resources and can work effectively and efficiently in achieving that goal,” said Superintendent of Rockville Centre Schools Dr. William Johnson.

Nassau County Department of Health will continue to offer vaccination clinics to ensure residents have the opportunity to be immunized against H1N1.  As of December 10, 2009, everyone over the age of 6 months is now eligible to receive the vaccine.

Residents who would like additional information on H1N1 vaccination clinics may call the Nassau County Department of Health H1N1 Call Center, Monday through Friday, 9 am – 4 pm at 1.888.684.4271 or visit the Health Department website at http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/Health/index.html