Press Releases

National Public Health Week is celebrated each year during the first full week of April. It’s a time to recognize and highlight the contributions of public health. It starts here with each of us making a difference in how we live, work, and play in our homes and in our communities.

“The health and well-being of the residents of this county is a priority”, stated Anthony J. Picente, Jr., Oneida County Executive. “Our Health Department is vital in helping our community members make informed decisions on how to live their healthiest life.”

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) announced today that it has scheduled rabies vaccination clinics through August.
The events will take place:
•
April 11, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Trenton Offices (previously announced)
•
June 2, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Annsville Highway Garage (newly announced)
•
July 14, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Vienna Town Garage (newly announced)
•
August 4, 2025 from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Kennedy Arena in Rome (newly announced)

The Oneida County Health Department (OCHD) announced today that it has scheduled a rabies vaccination clinic on April 11, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Town of Trenton Offices. Appointments are required for the clinic and can be made by calling 315-798-5064 or online at oneidacountyny.gov/rabies.

With bird flu being in the national headlines lately, the Oneida County Health Department is offering education and safety tips and reassuring the public that the risk of human infection is low. Avian influenza, bird flu, or H5N1 refers to a group of viruses that usually spreads between birds. These viruses range from limited impact to large numbers of illness and death of birds. This virus is circulating worldwide in birds and is causing outbreaks in poultry and dairy cows in the United States. This virus has also infected several humans nationwide.

Oneida County is currently seeing an increase in respiratory illnesses following the New Year.

“As of December 28th, Oneida County has had 386 flu cases reported since the flu season began,” said Daniel
W. Gilmore, Ph.D., MPH, Oneida County Director of Health. “This, coupled with concerns of COVID-19 and
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), makes it extremely important to protect yourself and your family this winter
season.”

It’s time for you to get your flu shot if you haven’t already. The holiday season is upon us, and it is important to take measures to keep yourself and your family healthy this season. As of November 23rd, Oneida County has had 152 flu cases reported since the flu season began this fall. This, coupled with concerns of COVID-19 and RSV, makes it extremely important to protect yourself and your family this winter season. Everyone 6 months or older can receive a flu shot. Those with weakened immune systems, young children and pregnant people are at higher risk of serious illness and the flu shot is the best way to reduce the risks.