Sep 1, 2009 6:48 pm US/Eastern
Rockland, Westchester Draw Plans For H1N1 Outbreak
NEW CITY, N.Y. (CBS) ―
Preparing for a possible swine flu epidemic is a major undertaking across the region, and New York's northern suburbs were hard at work in the battle against the potentially deadly strain.
With a focus on education and inoculation, Rockland County officials announced the county will offer the vaccine at clinics starting in October. Swine flu shot priority will be given to pregnant women; people in contact with infants under 6-months-old; individuals 6-months to 24-years-old; adults 25 to 64 with certain medical conditions; and health care and EMS personnel.
All told, that's an anticipated 160,000 people.
Unlike the seasonal flu vaccine, people over 65 will not be a priority for swine flu shots.
"When having to prioritize based on vaccine availability, it is very clear that seniors have been relatively spared and the attack rate for young children and young adults has been particularly high," said Rockland Health Commissioner Dr. Joan Facelle.
Rockland has had 18 confirmed cases of swine flu this year, but Facelle said the actual number was much higher.
Across the northern suburbs, schools and other institutions are bracing for swine flu outbreaks. At Iona College in New Rochelle, hundreds of hand sanitizer stations have been installed.
"It's everywhere! Outside bathrooms, outside classes. It's everywhere," said Iona freshman Anthony Muccio.
If swine flu strikes, the college is ready with a response plan.
"We'll follow CDC protocol and make sure if somebody is sick with the flu we'll try to isolate them as best as possible, care for them as best we can. If they are local encourage them to go home and not have contact with anyone else," said Iona Provost Charles Carlson.
Wherever officials are dealing with swine flu planning, they emphasize those plans are a work in progress and they'll adjust accordingly, depending how the swine flu season unfolds.
(© MMX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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