During the flu outbreak in spring 2009, public hospital emergency departments in New York saw a 35 percent increase in visits during May -- the height of the H1N1 scare - and in some places the volume went up by 50 percent or more. 

To make vaccines available to the general public beyond HHC patients, the public hospital system has designated 11 Flu Shot Centers for adults and children to offer the seasonal flu vaccination and the H1N1 vaccination as it becomes available.  Located in all five boroughs, the centers will reduce traffic in some emergency departments and in hospital outpatient clinics, where people would go to seek vaccinations if they don't have their own doctor.  Click here to get a complete list of HHC Flu Shot Center locations.

"We learned a lot last spring, not just about H1N1, but also about the most effective strategies to deal with a cascade of patients flooding our emergency departments.” said HHC President Alan Aviles. “These Centers are part of our overall plan to ensure that the public, our patients and our employees get the best form of protection against the flu and can access vaccinations at little or no cost.”

The centers will provide walk-in service for flu vaccinations only -- seasonal flu vaccinations and H1N1 vaccinations, when they become available.  Flu shots will be provided at no cost to children under 20 years of age, uninsured adults who are registered as qualified for HHC's sliding scale fees, and all people who seek flu shots on Staten Island. Other uninsured adults will be billed $30 but can apply for retroactive reimbursement, if they qualify for HHC's sliding scale fee.  If a patient is insured, their insurance carrier will be billed.

Hours of operation for the 11 Fast Track Flu Shot Centers are Monday through Friday,
1 p.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 11a.m. to 3 p.m. HHC’s Mobile Medical Office on Staten Island will also offer vaccinations at five community-based sites, Mondays through Fridays, 1 p.m. - 8 p.m.

Flu vaccinations are also available at numerous other locations throughout the city.  Elementary school children will have free H1N1 vaccines available to them at their school with parental consent later this month.  The flu shot will also be available on weekends at designated neighborhood schools for middle and high school students.  For additional locations, the City Department of Health features a flu locator on its web site, www.nyc.gov/flu, that is searchable by borough or ZIP code.  New Yorkers can also call 311 for more information.   

October 2009