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Information Regarding BIOPOD and the H1N1 Influenza Virus

The H1N1 Influenza is spreading rapidly worldwide. Due to the increased number of those infected by this virus and its severity, the FDNY’s Bureau of Health Services (BHS) has determined that the best way to protect our members and their families from this virus is to offer the best tool available: the H1N1 vaccine.

This year, the H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) vaccine will be offered to all first responders during the seventh annual BIOPOD exercise from Nov. 5 to 8. There will be 10 fixed POD locations and three mobile MERV locations throughout the city offering vaccinations. On-duty, off-duty and members on leave (LD, ML) are encouraged to participate in this year’s BIOPOD.

This is an opportunity for all members to help protect themselves from possible infection and thereby protect their families, since this particular virus has affected young children, young adults and pregnant women.

Chief Medical Officer Dr. Kerry Kelly stresses that inoculations are the best way for any Department member to prevent taking the flu home to his or her family.  There has been misinformation circulating about the H1N1 flu vaccination from unofficial sources. Dr. Kelly and the doctors at BHS HIGHLY RECOMMEND that ALL Department members receive the vaccination.  The following web sites and telephone hotlines offer accurate information about the H1N1 flu virus, the vaccine and other questions. In addition, we urge you to speak with your personal physician and get his or her recommendation.

H1N1 information sources include: