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The unpredictability of the H1N1  virus has the Monroe County Health Department likely to hold another vaccination clinic this month.

The virus first struck last spring and returned in the fall. "We still don't know whether there will be a third wave," said health department spokesman John Ricci.

For the week ending Jan. 23, the state health department reported that the overall level of flu activity was low and appeared to be stable when compared to the previous week. Also, the number of people hospitalized with flu was low and appeared to be stable when compared to last week.

The total number of deaths associated with H1N1 flu reported in the state, outside of New York City, since Sept. 1, is 62. Monroe County has reported four adult deaths associated with H1N1.

Ricci said that the health department is working on when and where to hold the clinic. It's likely to be mid-month at the earliest, at a central location with free parking and a large indoor area so people could be protected from winter weather.

He said that even though pharmacies and physicians have vaccine, there's a place for a county-run clinic.

"There still, even at this late date, seems to be pretty significant interest on the part of people in getting H1N1 vaccine."

At four clinics in January, approximately 8,500 people older than 6 months were vaccinated. In November, the county vaccinated 16,000 people at clinics that at the time were restricted to people in the highest-risk groups.

Neighboring counties have H1N1 vaccination clinics planned. For details, call your county's health department or check its Web site.

Source: democratandchronicle.com