New York governor declares statewide A/H1N1 health emergency

New York Governor David Paterson declared Thursday a health emergency for New York State, amid concerns about the rising number of the A/H1N1 flu cases, according to local TV channel NY1.

This means that many health care professionals -- including dentists -- will be permitted to administer vaccines with only brief training.

Also, federal health officials are now allowing New York State to order twice as many doses of the H1N1 vaccine.

Paterson was quoted as saying that at least 75 deaths in the state have been linked to the H1N1 flu virus so far.

Source: Xinhua