ALBANY, N.Y., Dec 10, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- The governor of New York said
Thursday healthcare providers statewide should make the H1N1 flu vaccine
available to all without restriction.
"Since early October, when the H1N1 flu vaccine first became available, we have
focused on providing vaccine to those New Yorkers considered at highest risk of
serious illness from the flu," Gov. David A. Paterson said in a statement. "Now
that increased supplies of vaccine are available, it is appropriate to expand
access so that more New Yorkers get protection against the flu."
The H1N1 vaccine had been restricted nationwide to children over the age of 6
months, pregnant women, healthcare workers and those with existing medical
condition such as asthma, diabetes or cancer.
New York state has received more than 5 million H1N1 vaccine doses, including
more than 3 million doses for areas outside of New York City, but this week the
state received 500,000 doses and the federal government forecasts that
increasing amounts of vaccine will be available in subsequent weeks, Paterson
said.
"As we enter the holiday travel season, it is important to provide vaccine to as
many people as possible," Paterson said. "During this busy period, I encourage
New Yorkers to take time to get vaccinated against the flu."
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Copyright 2009 by United Press International