This fall, spread of H1N1 influenza ("swine flu") is expected to increase, perhaps as an even more dangerous strain than that which was present this spring. Health care settings, schools and workplaces are the most likely places for people to be exposed to H1N1.

The Committees will receive testimony on: current H1N1 flu activity and monitoring and tracking activities being conducted by state and local health officials; an update on infection rates in New York State; the H1N1 vaccine, its efficacy and safety, availability of supplies and vaccination distribution plans; techniques to prevent the spread of the H1N1 "swine flu;" educational, outreach and preventive steps identified by government health and safety agencies; and how health care settings, schools and workplaces are implementing these steps.

Persons wishing to testify or attend should complete the hearing reply form below and return as indicated as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, October 7. It is important that the form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to ten minutes in length. All testimony is under oath. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. This request should be made on the reply form or communicated to Committee staff as soon as possible. Ten copies of any written statement should be submitted at the hearing registration table. Written testimony, whether presented in person at the hearing or not, should be e-mailed (as a Word or PDF document) before the hearing or as soon as possible after the hearing to: Elizabeth Hamlin, hamline@assembly.state.ny.us and Estibaliz Alonso, alonsoe@assembly.state.ny.us.

In order to meet the needs of those who have a disability, the Assembly works to make its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

Questions about this hearing may be directed to Elizabeth Hamlin of the Assembly Health Committee staff at 518-455-4941 or hamline@assembly.state.ny.us; or Estibaliz Alonso of Assembly Program and Counsel staff at 518-455-4311 or alonsoe@assembly.state.ny.us.

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Persons wishing to present testimony at the public hearing on H1N1 Influenza are requested to complete this reply form by Wednesday, October 7 and mail, email or fax it to: