H1N1 vaccines on their way for health care workers

This summer, the New York Department of Health announced a mandate for all health care providers to receive an H1N1 vaccination, which includes all workers at NYU Langone Medical Center. The deadline to receive a vaccine is Nov. 20.

New York City received its first shipments of the vaccine last Tuesday. Experts expect about 1.2 million doses of injectable vaccine and nasal spray by the end of the month. The New York Health Department assured that there are "ample amounts" of supplies left and more shipments will be brought in throughout the following months.

"We hope to receive the H1N1 vaccine from the New York City Department of Health within the next few weeks and will immediately begin administering the vaccine to target groups, which health care students would certainly belong to," NYU medical director Carlo Ciotoli said.

Ciotoli supports the Department of Health's decision.

"Vaccination remains one of the most important interventions to limit the spread and impact of influenza," Ciotoli said. "The Student Health Center, while not legally required to impose mandatory vaccinations, is attempting to meet the spirit of the New York State requirements."

All physicians and volunteers who come in direct contact with patients must receive the vaccination, said New York Department of Health spokeswoman Diane Mathis.

New York State's Hospital Review and Planning Council, an advisory council consisting of outside experts, unanimously voted on the mandate Aug. 13.

"I'm afraid of shots to begin with," professor George Cisneros of the College of Dentistry said. "It's one of these things where the government is doing something they feel is right. It's interesting. I'm sure they have a good reason."