The New York State Department of Health is getting a taste of its own ultimatum medicine. With only 23% of the swine flu doses originally expected to arrive by the end of October reaching New York, the State Health Department has to choose: Uphold a regulation that all healthcare workers receive the shot (which was temporarily blocked by a State Supreme Court judge last week) or make sure those most at risk receive the shot. more ›

A State Supreme Court judge has, at least temporarily, blocked the mandatory flu shots the state was requiring for health care workers. A nurse had sued, saying the State Health Department's requirement for swine and seasonal flu shots was "arbitrary and capricious." more ›

While hypochondriacs are worried about shortages of the H1N1 flu vaccine, Poughkeepsie nurse Suzanne Field is turning her nose up at a chance to score the injection. Not only is she opting out of a free vaccination for health care workers—mandated in September by the New York state health commissioner—she's also intent in making sure no other healthcare worker is subject to the needle. Her lawsuit to overturn the regulation is being heard today at the State Supreme Court in Manhattan. more ›

With various federal, state and local officials worried about the spread of swine and seasonal flu, six NYC public schools are participating in a pilot program offering the seasonal flu vaccines to students this week. One mother, though, was wary, telling WCBS 2, "As of right now, I haven't given my parental consent. I don't know what batch it is. I don't know the criteria for it." For now, she's reminded her kids to wash their hands often. more ›

The NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene says, according to its data, that the flu has arrived in the Big Apple—and urges New Yorkers to get the flu vaccine. Health Commissioner Dr. Thomas Frieden said, “The best way to protect yourself or your loved ones from getting very ill is to get vaccinated. Young children and older adults are at higher risk of hospitalization and death if they get sick. So don’t take the risk - get the vaccine today.” Influenza—which is not just a bad cold— symptoms "include a fever, dry cough and body aches - not a stomach ache or vomiting." Frieden adds, "If you do get influenza, cover your cough and stay home to minimize the spread of disease to others." There's apparently plenty of flu vaccine left; here's info on where you can get a flu shot (uninsured people get them for free). And for those who love stats, here's the CDC's flu surveillance page. more ›