Large NYC employers get vaccine

Posted Thursday, Nov. 05, 2009 Comments   (0) Print Share Share Reprints
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Wall Street firms, other big NYC employers get flu vaccine

NEW YORK — Some of New York City’s largest employers — including Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs and big universities — have started receiving doses of the much-in-demand swine flu vaccine for their at-risk employees. The government-funded vaccine is being distributed to states, where health departments decide where to send the limited doses. In New York, health officials are allowing businesses with onsite medical staff to apply for doses. Doctors for large companies can ask for the vaccine but must agree to vaccinate only high-risk employees such as pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses, said Jessica Scaperotti, a spokeswoman for New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. A critic said Wall Street firms shouldn’t have access to the vaccine before less-wealthy Americans. "Wall Street banks have already taken so much from us," union official John VanDeventer wrote on the Service Employees International Union Web site. "But they should not be allowed to take away our health and well-being." — The Associated Press

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