Onondaga County Health Department

10/16/2026

The OCHD Immunization Clinic provides vaccines for eligible adults and children by appointment.

Our team can help you understand your eligibility and connect you with the vaccines available today. Call (315) 435-2074 to schedule an appointment, confirm eligibility, and learn more.

This includes adults who qualify for the VFA Program, including individuals without insurance. VFA helps ensure everyone has access to the protection they need (read more details linked below).

Keeping up with routine vaccines is a simple way to support lifelong health. We’re here to help every step of the way.

Location:
Civic Center, Suite 30 (Basement Level)
421 Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse.

Learn more about the Immunization Clinic:
onondaga.gov/health/immunization-clinic/

Learn more about the VFA Program:
www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/providers/state_vaccines_for_adults_program.htm

Learn more about the VFC Program:
www.health.ny.gov/prevention/immunization/vaccines_for_children/

10/15/2026

🔔 Did you know?

Protect your home and family from fires by installing smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas.

🚨 Smoke Alarm Maintenance
• Install smoke alarms correctly.

• Test your smoke alarms once a month. If an alarm doesn’t work, replace the battery or the alarm as appropriate.

• Replace smoke alarms every 10 years.

• If a smoke alarm sounds, get out of the house immediately and call 9-1-1.

🏠 Free Home Safety Assistance for City of Syracuse Residents

City of Syracuse residents: Request a FREE home health and safety check to get help installing smoke and CO equipment in the home, visit onondaga.gov/health-env/healthy-neighborhoods/

10/14/2026

🩷 Early Detection Saves Lives!

If you are 40 and older you may be eligible for FREE breast screenings through the Onondaga County Cancer Services Program

Call 315-435-3653 to see if you qualify or
visit onondaga.gov/health/cancer-screening/

10/13/2026

Today is Seen Enough To***co Day! The to***co industry has used manipulative marketing strategies to advertise to young people for years. To***co retailers continue to be located near schools, playgrounds, and other youth-focused spaces. We want to use this Seen Enough To***co Day to highlight the harms of youth seeing to***co on screens, in their neighborhoods, and all around them. If you have ***co, use today to educate others and participate in activities that could make a difference in your community.

10/13/2026

💗 Hey boo! Before you head out, let’s talk about staying safe.

Drinking can affect your judgment and reaction time, so having a plan before you go out can help you make safer choices.

✨ Here are 6 things to consider before a night out.

Need Narcan or test strips? We can help.

📱 Call or text 315-418-5365

10/13/2026

It is time for the Immunity Insight Series, our monthly feature designed to help families stay informed about important vaccines that support lifelong health. This month, we’re highlighting Measles, part of the MMR vaccination.

Why being protected from measles is important:

• Highly contagious and spreads quickly in unvaccinated communities
• Two doses of the MMR vaccine provide strong, long‑lasting protection
• Vaccinated people who get measles usually have milder symptoms
• Measles can lead to serious complications like pneumonia or brain swelling
• Protects infants, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems
• First dose at 12–15 months, second at 4–6 years

At the OCHD Immunization Clinic, we make staying up to date easy:
• Vaccines for eligible adults and children
• Friendly guidance to help families and medical providers understand recommended vaccine schedules

Call (315) 435-2074 to schedule an appointment, confirm eligibility, and learn more.

Location:
Civic Center, Suite 30 (Basement Level)
421 Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse.

Learn more about the Immunization Clinic:
onondaga.gov/health/immunization-clinic/

Learn more about the Measles (English):
www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/immunizations/Pages/how-to-protect-your-children-during-a-measles-outbreak.aspx

10/12/2026

Individuals who are sexually active should get tested every 3 to 6 months!

About 50% of sexually transmitted infections do not have any signs or symptoms. This is especially important for individuals that do not use condoms/protection every sexual interaction. Even when you use protection every time – getting an annual test is recommended.

Reasons to get tested sooner are if an individual is experiencing symptoms or has a sexual partner(s) that test positive.

The Sexual Wellness Center offers walk in low to no cost testing and treatment. Testing may include a urine sample, swabs, or a blood draw. Testing is confidential and focused on you.

We are located in Suite 80 in the basement level of the Civic Center,
421 Montgomery Street in downtown Syracuse.

Walk in anytime or call (315) 435-3236 to schedule an appointment.
onondaga.gov/health/sexual-wellness/

10/08/2026

🧡 October is Substance Use Prevention Month!

Know the facts. Share the support. 💬

Prevention starts with all of us. Take time to learn about substance use, talk openly with your family and loved ones, and share resources that can help build a healthier, safer community.

🔗 Learn more about substance use prevention: oasas.ny.gov/prevention

10/07/2026

October is Fire Prevention Month!
Follow the home safety tips below to make sure your home and family are protected!

🏠 Home Fire Safety Tips

🔔 Install smoke alarms: Put smoke alarms on every level of your home and inside and outside sleeping areas.

🔥 Practice your fire escape plan: Conduct a home fire drill twice a year—during both daytime and nighttime. Choose a safe meeting spot outside your home where everyone can gather.

👨‍🍳 Cook safely: Never leave cooking food unattended. Turn off the burner when you’re finished cooking and keep a fire extinguisher nearby.

🌡 Keep heating equipment safe: Keep heaters, fireplaces, and radiators at least 3 feet away from anything that can burn. Turn off portable space heaters whenever you leave the room or go to bed.

For more information on fire safety, visit: www.ready.gov/home-fires

10/06/2026