In just five hours, New York Hospital Queens (NYHQ) made sure that there 600 Queens residents won’t be spreading the H1N1 virus, commonly known as the swine flu.
On Wednesday, October 28, NYHQ held a free community vaccination drive at the Gujarati Samaj Community Center, which is located in Fresh Meadows.
“It was our goal to reach as much of our community that really needs the vaccine, that included people with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women and lower income families who have restricted access to medical care,” said Christine O’Hagan Carlin, who coordinated the vaccination drive and is the administrative director of NYHQ’s Ambulatory Care Services.
During the drive, five students from St. Francis Prep High School were on hand to assist. The school is where H1N1 first broke out in Queens last year.
The Primary Care Development Corporation, in collaboration with the New York City Department of Health, has designated 18 sites for vaccine distribution, as one part of its Emergency Preparedness program. The program has received funding from the New York City Council.
“New York Hospital Queens was one of 18 sites chosen as a point of distribution because they serve thousands of vulnerable residents and have gone through rigorous training in our Emergency Preparedness program,” said Primary Care Development Corporation Executive Director Ronda Kotelchuck. “No one knows yet what to expect about the severity of this flu season, but New York Hospital Queens has the tools it needs to respond.”
Information on sites where people can receive the H1N1 vaccination is available at www.nyc.gov/flu. In addition, flu prevention is available through NYHQ by visiting www.nyhq.org or calling 718-670-2121.
