With ample vaccine available in the State at more locations where New Yorkers can be vaccinated, the Governor suggests starting the new year with a shot. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects that 307,000 doses are being shipped to New York State (outside New York City) this week, and at least 795,000 doses will be shipped next week. The entire State has been allocated more than 7 million doses so far.

Local health departments and health care providers continue to provide H1N1 vaccinations to New Yorkers. County health departments in all 57 counties outside of New York City have either conducted H1N1 flu clinics or will hold clinics in the coming weeks. In the Capital City, H1N1 vaccination clinics for Albany County residents 6 months and older are being conducted through January 15th. Appointments are available weekdays between 9 am and 5 pm at the Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street, Albany.

Through the week ending December 26, there ere 59 confirmed H1N1-related deaths in the counties outside New York City since September 1, including 25 children under the age of 18 since the outbreak began in April. During the week ending December 26, 126 people were hospitalized in New York State with H1N1 flu.

More information about H1N1 flu, including where to locate flu vaccine, is available at www.nyhealth.gov.