Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke hosted a telephone town hall meeting where Brooklyn residents called in and asked their questions about how to protect themselves from the H1N1 virus.

“I encourage all residents of the 11th Congressional District to take all necessary steps to protect themselves from contracting this virus,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke. “This includes ensuring that individuals have access to the H1N1 vaccination and are educated about all recommended sanitary routines such as regularly washing their hands to prevent the spread of the virus.”

Dr. K. Aletha Maybank, the Assistant Commissioner of New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, joined the call to answer questions about what New York City is doing to prevent the spread of H1N1.

“I want to thank Dr. Maybank for joining the call and helping our citizens understand what resources are available to them. It is important that residents have the information they need to know how to protect their families against the virus,” said Rep. Clarke.

On October 6, 2009 New York City began its H1N1 vaccination program and it received 68,000 doses. The city immediately disseminated the vaccine in nasal spray form to health care providers in all five boroughs. 1.2 million doses of nasal spray and injectable vaccine are expected by the end of the month.

New York City recommends that the following people get immunized:

•All health care workers
•Anyone 6 months through 18 years of age
•Anyone 19 through 49 years of age who has an underlying health condition that increases the risk of complications from influenza
•Adults 50 and older
•Anyone who lives with or cares for children less than 6 months old
•Pregnant Women

The Health Department and the Department of Education are working in conjunction with schools to minimize the spread of H1N1 and seasonal flu among children and teachers.

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