Health Department

Press Releases

Community Gardens Project Offers New Interactive Map
Picente: “Feature Permits Residents to Join Existing Garden or Develop New Ones”
A multi-phase project which partners the Oneida County Health Department’s Lead Primary Prevention Program with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH), and designed to transform vacant lots into community gardens and park spaces now offers an interactive website which will allow users to find information about a specific garden and contact information if they wish to join.

County Health’s Fiscal Officer Recognized By State DOH
Thomas Engle, the Oneida County Health Department’s Fiscal Services Administrator, has been recognized by the New York State Department Of Health for his nearly 30-years of outstanding service to public health in Oneida County, County Executive Anthony J. Picente announced today.

Women’s Health Highlighted in May
As part of Women’s Health Awareness Week, May 12th through the 18th, the Oneida County Health Department joins with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in urging all women to schedule a check-up with their health care provider.

Rabies Confirmed In New Hartford Fox Attack
The gray fox that was involved in Monday afternoon’s attack on a New Hartford resident as he worked in his yard has tested positive for rabies, Oneida County Health Department officials confirmed today.

Health Department Schedules Rabies Clinics
The Oneida County Health Department has scheduled a series of rabies clinics for 2013. The next clinic will be held on Wednesday, March 20^th from 6-8 pm at the Trenton Municipal Center. Seven additional dates and sites have currently been announced.

‘Healthy Housing’ Training Offered In Utica
LPP, MVCC, Environmental Associates Partner For Two Day Course
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. today announced a training program being offered by the Oneida County Health Department, in partnership with Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) and Environmental Education Associates, designed to provide a better understanding of the relationship between the area’s housing deficiencies and the overall health of the occupants.

OCHD Schedules Rabies Clinics for 2013
The first in a series of rabies clinics sponsored by the Oneida County Health Department in 2013 is scheduled for Saturday, March 9^th at the Sherrill Community Arts Center located at 139 E. Hamilton Avenue from 9:00 – 11:00 am, a Health Department official said today.

County Flu Cases Continue To Rise
The number of laboratory confirmed cases of influenza in Oneida County has more than quadrupled since first reported less than two weeks ago, Oneida County Health Department officials said today.

‘Fight the Bite’ Signs Alert Public to Mosquito and Tick Threats
The Oneida County Health Department has received 84 signs alerting the public to “Fight the Bite” and the threat of mosquito and tick-borne diseases such as West Nile Virus (WNV), Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) and Lyme Disease. This year Oneida County was one of four targeted counties which worked in conjunction with the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH to prevent arboviruses in their communities.

Faxton-St. Luke’s Awarded Certificate of Excellence for Compliance In Hepatitis B Perinatal Prevention
Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare has been awarded a ‘Certificate of Excellence’ by the New York State Department of Health’s (NYSDOH) Hepatitis B Perinatal Prevention Program following a quality assurance/medical record review conducted at the hospital.

Workshop Prepares Community For Disasters
Oneida County will conduct a Disaster Preparedness Workshop designed to prepare county residents in the event a disaster were to impact our community, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.
“The tragic events of 9-11 and the catastrophic loss of life and property in the wakes of huricannes Katrina and Irene have taught us that disaster can strike anywhere at anytime. Oneida County residents should be prepared to provide a measure of safety and security for themselves and their families should an emergency arise, natural or manmade, until such time that the appropriate agencies can respond to their needs,” Picente said.

Week of January 8th Recognizes Importance of Dietary Folic Acid
Vitamin B Critical in Reducing Neural Tube Defects in Fetal Development
Everyone needs folic Acid, an essential B-vitamin, in order to maintain good health, but it’s particularly important to woman during their childbearing years, according to Dr. Gayle D. Jones, Director of the Oneida County Health Department in recognizing January 8^th-14^th as National Folic Acid Awareness Week.

Year’s First Rabies Clinic Slated for Forestport
Health Department Increases Number of Clinics for 2012
The Oneida County Health Department has scheduled the first of thirteen planned rabies immunization clinics to be held in 2012 for Wednesday, January 18^th at the Back to Basics Dog Obedience Training Facility located at 11954 State Route 28 in Forestport from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. In the event of inclement weather, the clinic will be held the following Wednesday, January 28^th,health department officials said.

Renovator Training Supports Local Employment
“Joint Initiative Partners MVCC, LPP and Workforce Development”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. today announced a free training program designed to provide as many as ten persons with construction experience who are currently unemployed the necessary skills to work on pre-1978 built houses that may have lead-based paints.

Vaccine Still Plentiful – County Lowers Cost of Flu Shot
With ample quantities of vaccine still available, the Oneida County Health Department is lowering the cost of a flu shot for all uninsured patients while supplies last, Patrice Bogan, Director of Clinic Services announced today.

“As we get into the holiday season, people will be traveling, entertaining visitors and having more contact with the public while shopping and attending holiday parties, thus increasing their chances of contracting the flu. We urge people who haven’t done so, to get a flu shot now; and as an added incentive, we’re lowering the cost of the vaccine to just a $10.00 administration fee,” Bogan said.

Veterans ‘Honored’ With Free Lead Safe Work Practices Training
“Program Aids Employment in Construction Field’
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. today announced that the tuition for EPA mandated training and certification for two veterans seeking employment in the construction field upon returning from service in Afghanistan or Iraq will be absorbed by the County’s Lead Primary Prevention Program (LPP).

Health Department Urges Residents to Get Vaccinated
“One Shot Offers Protection From H1N1 and Seasonal Flu”
Oneida County Health Department officials are reminding County residents now is the time for all persons six months and older to get vaccinated against influenza.

“Flu season has begun and you should be mindful that it takes about two weeks after getting the vaccine before immunity develops,” Patrice Bogan, Director of Clinic Services said. She added, “Whether you choose to see your primary health provider or visit one of the many retail outlets offering the vaccine, it’s important to make the right choice and get vaccinated.”

Early Cancer Detection Goal of Week-Long Screening Event
“Cancer Services Program Reaches Out to Uninsured Tri-County Women”
Uninsured women 40-years of age and older living in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties can register for free cancer screenings, win prizes and receive a free gift bag for participating in the Love Yourself Screening Event scheduled for the week of October 3^rd through October 7^th.

Oneida County Public Market Adds Health Department to List of Vendors
“Info on Flu, Emergency Preparedness, Cancer Services and More”
County Executive Anthony J. Picente said the Oneida County Health Department will this week join the growing list of vendors and exhibitors at the Public Market held each Saturday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at the historic Union Station in Downtown Utica.

Flooded Basements May Pose Health Risks
“Sewage Back-up Adds to Flood Volume”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente said residents need to be aware of the health hazards posed by possible raw sewage in the water flooding many basements after touring flood damaged areas of Whitesboro.

Awaited Test Results Yield Another ‘Positive’ for EEE
“Virus Suspected in Two More Horse Deaths ”
The Oneida County Health Department today reported that test results on a suspected case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in a horse in the north Rome/Lee Center has confirmed that the animal was infected with the disease when it was euthanized last week after developing neurological symptoms. Two previous confirmed cases of EEE in horses occurred in the Town of Westmoreland and in Camden.

Community Walking Project Enters Final Phase
“Team Members Log Twenty-One Million Steps”
In the ten weeks since they began, the ninety-seven participants taking part in the “A Better Me: Fit, Healthy and Happy” fitness program sponsored by the Oneida County Health Department have cumulatively walked the equivalent of 39-hundred miles while learning about the benefits of proper nutrition and the prevention of diabetes and obesity, according to Dr. Gayle Jones, Oneida County Director of Health.

Partnership’s Efforts Address Health Needs of HeadStart Children
Oneida County’s Lead Primary Prevention Program (LPP), in cooperation with the Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA), will partner with other community agencies to provide medical and dental screenings and services for children enrolled in the HeadStart Program , Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.

County’s First Case of EEE Claims Horse in Westmoreland
“Positive Mosquito Pool Found in Western Oneida County"
The first case of Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) in Oneida County this year has been confirmed, Oneida County Health Department officials said today.

Trainers Sought for ‘Self-Help’ Health Promotion Program

‘Health Department Collaborating with Office for the Aging and Continuing Care’

A program designed to teach adults suffering from chronic health conditions, and their significant others, skills on managing their conditions is seeking fifteen non-health professionals from within the community to be trained as workshop leaders.

Boy, Family Pets Involved in Rabid Animal Attacks
“Raccoon and Grey Fox Responsible for Separate Incidents”
An Oneida County youth and several family pets are undergoing post exposure treatment for rabies after being attacked by a raccoon and a grey fox in separate incidents earlier this week, Health Department officials say.

‘How To’ Video Aids HEPA Vac Users

“In-House Production Provides Instructions to Remove Lead”
County Executive Anthony Picente said Oneida County residents who get the free loan of a HEPA Vacuum through the Lead Primary Prevention program to remove lead dust from their homes now have a new aid to assist them in the proper set-up, use and cleaning of the fine particulate cleaners.

County's First Rabies Case Confirmed
"Rabies Clinic Slated for Rome"
The County’s first confirmed case of animal rabies in 2011 has been reported to the Oneida County Health Department, an official announced today.

Community Walking Project Gets Underway
“A Better Me: Fit, Happy and Healthy Tracks Participants’ Steps’
More than 100 participants comprising teams from seven area agencies and the community-at-large will be taking part in a fitness program designed to reduce health disparities among minority and underserved women and girls, Oneida County Health Department officials announced today.

Bats Should Be Tested Before Release

Bats found in living spaces of the home should be tested for rabies before releasing or disposing of them the Oneida County Health Department warns.

“This is the time of year that we begin receiving phone calls concerning bats getting into people’s homes; in many cases residents are releasing the bats outdoors before contacting the health department so that it can determined if there has been any human exposure to rabies or if the animal needs to be tested,” said Dr. Gayle Jones, Director of the Oneida County Health Department. Jones added, “Most post exposure rabies treatments in Oneida County are a result of exposure to bats.”

Healthy Summer Demands Pool Safety
“Keep Children Safe by Following Simple Rules”
With schools soon closing and the mercury rising, backyard and municipal swimming pools throughout Oneida County will soon be luring youngsters with the promise of summer fun and relief from the seasonal heat. However, without warning, what began as fun in the water can turn into tragedy for a child.

Sherrill Event Highlights Women’s Health Week
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente Jr. announced today that The City of Sherrill’s Community Activity Center will be the site of Women’s Health Day, a health and wellness event sponsored by the Oneida County Health Department on Monday, May 9th from 1:00 pm to 5:30 pm.

Community Walks Highlight Screen Free Week
“Oneida County Health Urges Alternatives to Video”
Oneida County parents and children are encouraged to turn off their televisions and video games and lace up their walking shoes during “Screen Free Week,” April 18th through the 24th.

OCHD/Office of Women’s Health Contract Invites Participation of Community Based Organizations

“Program Targets Minority and Underserved Women and Girls”

Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. today announced a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services Regional Office on Women’s Health, which awards 2500 dollars to the Oneida County Health Department for a program designed to reduce health disparities among minority and underserved women and girls.

Window Replacement Classes Expanded

“Low-cost Instruction Benefits Do-it-Yourselfer and Homeowners Hiring Contractors”
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. today announced the expansion of a window replacement program piloted by the County’s Lead Primary Prevention Program (LPP) that originally offered low-cost instruction only to do-it-yourselfers and contractors who replaced windows in the ‘high risk’ areas of west Utica and Cornhill.

WIC Initiatives Highlight National Nutrition Month
'Public Awareness Initiatives Include Open House'
Oneida County's Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program, in conjunction with Cornell Cooperative Extension's Eat Smart New York (ESNY), has planned a variety of initiatives designed to raise public awareness of the role of proper nutrition in maintaining good health, Dr. Gayle Jones, Director of Health announced today.

Oneida County Health Selected for Diabetes Training, Grant
“CABVI to Partner in Two-Day Session”
County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today that the Oneida County Health Department is the recipient of a $5,000 grant and has been selected to participate with its community partner, the Central Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired (CABVI), in a 2-day training designed to empower communities to develop interventions to prevent or reduce diabetes and its complications.

Picente Honors Winners of “Maintain- Don’t Gain” Initiative
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. was joined by Dr. Gayle Jones of the Oneida County Health Department to honor the winners of the “Maintain- Don’t Gain” Initiative. The Oneida County Employees honored were Michelle Jones, Donna Anglin, and Sandra Pejcic.

County to Conduct Paint Stabilization Pilot Study
“Method of Cost-Effective Interim Lead Hazard Control Sought”
The Oneida County Health Department’s Lead Primary Prevention Program (LPP), through its New York State Department of Health grant, will conduct a pilot project designed to study the impact of using new paints containing primer as a method of stabilizing deteriorating lead paint surfaces in Utica’s pre-1978 houses, County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.

Free Window Replacement Instruction Offered to Property Owners
Multi-lingual Series of Classes Target Utica Houses ‘At Risk’ for Lead Poisoning
Home owners in Cornhill and West Utica are again being offered free instruction on the proper replacement of windows using lead-safe work practices through the County’s Lead Primary Prevention Program, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente announced today.

MVCC offers EPA’s Renovator Lead Safe Work Practices Training for Spanish Speakers

Mohawk Valley Community College will offer a special lead safety training class for Spanish speaking individuals. This training will meet the requirements for the 8-hour Initial Lead Renovators Certification which is required by the EPA of all contractors and landlords working in pre-1978 housing, schools, or child-occupied facilities.

UFD Partners With Lead Prevention Program on Home Inspections
“More than 300 Addresses Cited for Chipped, Peeling Paint”
The exterior of more than 300 houses in some West Utica and Cornhill neighborhoods designated as ‘high risk’ for lead poisoning have been inspected by the Utica Fire Department over the past several months for chipped and peeling paint as part of a partnership program between the Oneida County Health Department and the City of Utica’s Rental Occupancy Permit program, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said today.

County Honors Vets’ Service With Free Training
“Program Enhances Employment Opportunities’
In honor of our local Veterans who have served in Iraq and Afghanistan Oneida County’s Lead Primary Prevention (LLP) Program will make available two Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) training slots at no cost to returning vets seeking employment in construction, County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.

Lead Poisoning Prevention Week Highlights Local Threat to Children
“County’s Lead Primary Prevention Expands HEPA Vac Loaner Program”
Ways to reduce the incidence of childhood lead poisoning caused by the ingestion of lead paint chips or the inhalation of lead-laden dust is the theme of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, October 24th through the 30th, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. said today.

Pitbull Euthanized After Probable Rabies Exposure
A pitbull terrier in Rome that had not received a rabies vaccination was euthanized after exhibiting symptoms characteristic of the disease, Oneida County Health Department officials reported today.

Horse’s Death Blamed on EEE
“Colt Euthanized After Symptoms Appear"
A year old colt in the town of Vernon had to be euthanized after it was observed to be suffering neurological symptoms that were later determined to be the result of the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) arbovirus, Oneida County Health Department officials said today.

County Implements ‘Flu Hotline’
Residents will be able to access the Oneida County Health Department’s ‘Flu Hotline’ beginning today, in order to receive the latest influenza information and a listing of all Oneida County Health Department flu immunization clinics, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced.

Flu Vaccine By Appointment Prevents Waiting

“Seasonal Flu Vaccine Offers Protection From H1N1”

Oneida County residents will be able to schedule their own appointment at a series of flu immunization clinics, to be held at locations throughout Oneida County during the 2010 – 2011 flu season. The clinics get underway Friday, October 1st at the Oneida County Health Department at 406 Elizabeth Street in Utica.

EEE Again Detected in Oneida County
“Infected Pool Discovered in Spray Area”
A pool of mosquitoes collected in a part of western Oneida County that was the site of last month’s aerial spraying has tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), Health Department officials confirmed today.

Health Department Flooded With ‘Mosquito Concerns’

“Communities Plagued by Mosquito Swarms’

The Oneida County Health Department has been flooded with calls over the past several days from residents of Whitesboro, Marcy, Oriskany and Rome expressing concerns over what appears to be an unprecedented mosquito population in their area.

‘Back to School Vaccines’ Offered
“Clinic Hours Expanded to Meet Families’ Needs”
Adults and children in need of vaccines before attending school or college classes can attend one of several ‘Back to School Vaccine Immunization Clinics’ being conducted by the Oneida County Health Department at both their clinic sites in Utica and Rome.

Program to Provide Preventative Healthcare Services to Children
“Oneida County LPPP Partners With Head Start for Health Fair”
For the second consecutive year, Head Start children will be provided preventative healthcare services at the Head Start Children’s Health Day Tuesday, August 31st from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Mohawk Valley Community Action Head Start at 9882 River Road in Marcy, Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente, Jr. announced today.

Weather Forecast Delays Aerial Spraying
“Dry, Calm Conditions Needed for Desired Effect”
The aerial spraying of approximately 30-thousand acres of land in parts of western Oneida County has been postponed as a result of less than ideal weather conditions forecast for today and tonight, health department officials announced today.

August Testing Reveals Five More EEE Mosquito Pools
Picente: “Finding Warrants Precautionary Spraying to Protect Public Health”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. has authorized aerial spraying over an approximate 30-thousand acres in the area where five more mosquito pools collected in August have tested positive for the Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) virus as a precautionary measure to protect public health.

Map of spray area

Legal Label for Insecticide to be used
for EEE Spraying

Unwarranted Rabies Fears Shouldn’t Put a Damper on Parade
"NYSDOH Spokesperson: ‘…Attend Without Concerns of Increased Risks…’"
State and local Health Department officials are in agreement that last week’s finding of a rabid animal in the City of Rome in no way poses a threat to those planning to attend Saturday’s “Honor America Days” parade, Dr. Gayle Jones, Oneida County Director of Health said today.

Bullwinkle Named to State Honor Roll
“Vision to Eliminate Childhood Lead Poisoning Cited In Award”
The Quality Improvement Coordinator for the Oneida County Health Department has been named to the 2010 New York State Public Health Works! Honor Roll, Dr. Gayle Jones, Director of Health announced today.

All Oneida County Specimens to Date Test Negative for EEE
“Eastern Equine Encephalitis Found in Oswego County Mosquito Pool”
None of the mosquito specimens collected in Oneida County so far this year have tested positive for Eastern Equine Encephalitis, Dr. Gayle Jones, Director of Health for Oneida County confirmed after learning that the virus was found in a pool of bird-biting mosquitoes in neighboring Oswego County.

WIC ‘Chat Rooms’ Offer Nutrition/Health Education
“Statewide Initiative Supports Healthy Behaviors Through Group Experience”
The Oneida County Woman, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program
has begun offering education sessions designed to provide its clients a group setting in which innovative solutions to family health and nutrition issues can be developed, Dr. Gayle Jones, Director of Health announced today.

June Events Promote Free Cancer Screens
“Philipson’s and Price Chopper Partner with Cancer Services Program”
Uninsured and underinsured men and women living in Oneida, Herkimer and Madison Counties will have two opportunities during the month of June to enroll in the Cancer Services Program that provides free screenings for colorectal, cervical and breast cancer.

Boonville Fair Will Host Community Health Festival
“Excellus and Health Department Partner for Event"
Oneida County – Boonville Fair goers will again be feted to free health screenings, demonstrations and health education as part of this year’s premiere summertime event, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.

Health Department, NYU to Collaborate On Study
“NIH Grant Will Fund Window Replacement/ Lead Reduction Impact Investigation”
The Oneida County Health Department’s Lead Primary Prevention Program has been asked to participate in a study funded through a grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) that will determine the impact of window replacement on lead dust levels, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.

State Cites Oneida County Health for H1N1 Response
The Oneida County Health Department overcame numerous obstacles including an evolving epidemic and the pressure to deliver medications that were sometimes in short supply in its efforts to protect the public health during the H1N1 influenza pandemic, according to a letter from Dr. Richard F. Daines, Commissioner of Health for the State of New York.

Pilot Program Will Address More ‘At Risk’ for Lead Poisoning
“Early Detection the Goal of Free Home Inspections”
Nearly one hundred inner-city children living ‘at risk’ for lead poisoning can be detected each year as a result of an new initiative which expands free home inspections and educational services in target areas of the City of Utica, Oneida County Executive Antony J. Picente announced today.

Picente: New Director of Public Health Appointed
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today announced that Gayle D. Jones, PhD, M.P.H., CHES will be the new Director of Public Health for Oneida County.

Countdown Begins on Remodeling, Repairing and Paint Rules
“New EPA Regs Aimed at Decreasing Lead Poisoning”
In less than a month, all contractors who perform renovations, painting and remodeling that might disturb lead-based paint in houses, child care facilities and schools built before 1978 will be required to meet stricter guidelines under the new regulations established by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Oneida County Health Department officials said today.

Partnership Initiative Reduces Lead, Saves Energy
“Window Replacement Classes Precede New EPA Regs”
A public-private ‘green partnership’ between the county’s Lead Primary Prevention Pilot Program and Gro-West, Inc., will again be offering a series of instructional classes on window replacement prior to new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations mandating lead safe work practices which go into effect on April 22, 2010.

County Health Study Seen As Tool to Improve County Health
“University Of Wisconsin ‘Snapshot’ Supports Findings of Community Health Assessment”
A ranking of New York State’s 62 counties finds Oneida County in the middle of the pack overall for those factors influencing population health, but towards the bottom of the list in terms of overall health status; a similar conclusion to those of the recently completed Community Health Assessment, health department officials announced today.

H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Shots Available in Sherrill
“County Executive Responds to City’s Request for Two Clinics”
Residents of the City of Sherrill and surrounding areas won’t have to travel to get protection from the H1N1 influenza and seasonal flu, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today. Picente has directed the health department to hold two immunization clinics for adults 19-years of age and older in that community in the coming weeks; the first for H1N1 shots and the second for seasonal flu vaccinations.

More Than $200-Thousand Available for Cancer Screening
“Program Aids Underinsured and Uninsured Women in Three Counties”The Cancer Services Program Partnership of Oneida-Herkimer-Madison Counties still has funding available to pay for cancer screenings including clinical breast exams, mammograms, Pap/pelvic exams and in-home colorectal screening, according to the Program Coordinator, Wendy Hunt.

Some Vaccine in Latest Recall Administered by Oneida County Health Department
“Potency of Nasal Spray Vaccine in Question –Safety Not an Issue ”
The Oneida County Health Department’s current supply of H1N1 flu vaccine will not be affected by the latest voluntary manufacturer’s recall of the product, Daniel W. Gilmore, Acting Director of the department said.

‘Unrestricted’ Swine flu Clinics at MVCC
‘H1N1 Vaccine Available to All Age Groups’
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today that two more H1N1 clinics have been scheduled and will be held at the Mohawk Valley Community College Alumni Center on the Utica campus. The clinics will offer the H1N1 vaccine to all persons 6-months of age and older, including healthy persons.

No Recalled Vaccine Shipped to Oneida County Health
Manufacturer Says Some Lots of H1N1 Lost Potency
None of the H1N1 vaccine involved in a voluntary manufacturer’s recall due to a loss of potency had been shipped to the Oneida County Health Department, County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. and health department officials confirmed today.

Demand for School Vaccine Less Than Anticipated
As the Oneida County School Mass Immunization Program enters its third week, the demand for the H1N1 vaccine has been less than anticipated, health department officials said today. Additionally, reports of flu-like illness throughout Oneida County and absenteeism rates in area schools are on the decline.

Six More H1N1Clinics Scheduled
“Appointments Will Shorten Wait, Eliminate Long Lines”
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today that the health department will conduct a series of H1N1 immunization clinics next month

H1N1 Clinics Scheduled
Vaccine available for ‘High Risk’ Children, Young and ‘High Risk’ Adults
Adults 19 to 24-years, those 25 to 64-years with underlying medical conditions and parents and caregivers of infants under 6-months can get the H1N1 influenza vaccine at a walk-in clinic scheduled for Tuesday, November 17, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Oneida County Health Clinic at 406 Elizabeth Street in Utica.

H1N1 Implicated in Three More Area Deaths
Earlier Suspected Death Brings Oneida County Total to Five
The death of an adult in October and two more adult deaths reported this week brings the total of area deaths attributed to the H1N1 influenza to five, Oneida County Health Department officials announced today.

‘Open’ Flu Clinic Slated for Veterans’ Day
The first ‘open’ H1N1 immunization clinic will be held on Wednesday, November 11^th from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm at the Oneida County Office Building in Utica, Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. announced today.

Increased ‘Flu Like Illness’ Prompts Change in Hospital Visit Policies
Citing an increase in reported flu, the County’s three hospitals have instituted temporary age restrictions on visitors to their facilities in order to prevent the spread of influenza.

Effective immediately, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare, St. Elizabeth Medical Center and Rome Memorial Hospital are restricting visitors to healthy adults, 18 years and older. The policy will remain in effect until further notice according to a joint statement released today. Additionally, adults coming to the facilities for testing or treatment are asked to make arrangements for their children rather than have them accompany them.

Lead-Safe Housing Program Schedule Expanded
A series of seminars designed to assist property owners in Cornhill and West Utica apply for grant funds to address lead issues is being expanded and tailored to meet the needs of Utica’s newest homeowners, County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr. and the Oneida County Health Department announced today.

Lab Confirms County's First H1N1 (Swine) Case
Test results from the New York State Wadsworth Laboratory has confirmed the H1N1 influenza (Swine flu) virus in a patient in Oneida County. These results mark the first local finding for H1N1 influenza since the strain first surfaced in Mexico more than two months ago and quickly spread to more than 40 countries.

Health Clinic Immunization Program Cited
The Oneida County Health Department's Clinic Immunization Program was recently recognized for excellence in implementing the New York State Immunization Information System, Director of Clinic Services, Patrice Bogan announced today. An award was presented to the program staff attending a recent NYSIIS meeting in Syracuse.

Public Health Nurse Named to State Honor Roll
A Supervising Public Health Nurse with the Oneida County Health Department has been named to the New York State Public Health Works 'Honor Roll', Acting Director of Health Daniel Gilmore announced today.

Rabid Fox Invades Clayville Home and Barn
A grey fox that attacked several domesticated animals including a cat that was inside a Clayville home has tested positive for rabies, Oneida County Health Department officials announced today. This is the first confirmed case of rabies in Oneida County in 2009.

STUDENTS CAUTIONED ABOUT SKIN INFECTIONS
Parents and students should be aware of the threat of skin infections, commonly caused by Staphylococcus Aureus bacteria that can easily be spread from one person to another in a school setting, Oneida County Health Department officials said today.

FIRST FLU CLINIC SCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY
The first of the Oneida County Health Department’s series of public flu clinics for 2008 will be held on Friday, October 17th from 9:00 am to 11:00 am and from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm at the department’s Clinic Building at 406 Elizabeth Street in Utica .

CHICKENPOX COMMON AMONG CHILDREN DESPITE VACCINE
The highly contagious varicella-zoster virus (VZV), commonly known as chickenpox, often affects children under age 12 and sometimes even after they have been vaccinated against the disease, Oneida County Health Department officials warned today following reports of an outbreak in Herkimer County .

HEALTHY SUMMER DEMANDS POOL SAFETY
The Oneida County Health Department wants to remind area residents that drowning is a major cause of serious injury and death among children, and offers these basic safety tips for parents to keep their children safe in and around water

COUNTY'S HEALTHY NEIGHBORHOODS PROGRAM LENDS AID TO WEST UTICA IN FIRE'S AFTERMATH
The Oneida County Health Department’ Healthy Neighborhoods Program is reaching out to West Utica residents who live in proximity to the fire that destroyed part of the F.X. Matt Brewery complex.

LOOMING VACCINE SHORTAGE DEMANDS PRUDENCE WHEN DEALING WITH ANIMALS
The only two manufacturers of human rabies vaccine approved for use in the U.S. have experienced production interruptions and other problems that could result in a shortage, health officials warn.

HEALTH DEPARTMENT HAS NEW HEADQUARTERS
Oneida County Executive Anthony J. Picente, Jr., today announced that the Oneida County Health Department has completed the move of several offices into the Adirondack Bank Building in downtown Utica .

HEALTH DEPARTMENT WILL MONITOR TOY RECALL
Members of the Oneida County Health Department staff will, over the next several weeks, make unannounced visits to retailers throughout Oneida County to ensure compliance with the mandatory removal of toys being recalled due to unsafe lead content, Director of Health Nicholas A. DeRosa announced today.

Last Updated 06/11/2013 Created 02/22/2009

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