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Novel H1N1 flu shots are now available in limited supplies at the Tattnall County Health Department in Glennville and Reidsville. The Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) has recommended that certain groups of the population receive the 2009 H1N1 flu shot. These target groups include:
•Persons aged six months to 24 years;
•Pregnant women;
•Persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months of age (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers);
•Healthcare and emergency medical personnel with direct patient care; and
•Persons aged 25 to 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
Because it can take two weeks to develop full immunity after receiving a flu shot, those at highest risk should be vaccinated without delay, public health officials add.
Children six months through nine years old receiving the H1N1 flu shot for the first time will need a follow-up booster one month after the first flu shot.
The H1N1 flu vaccine, which is free, will not protect you from the seasonal flu. The nasal spray form of the H1N1 vaccine may also be available for healthy individuals aged 2 to 24 years.
While getting vaccinated provides the best protection against the flu viruses, public health officials say there are other simple preventive measures residents can take to stop the spread of the novel H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses, which have been circulating in this area of the state since August. They include:
Good hand washing. This is absolutely critical and the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Wash hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Covering coughs and sneezes with your elbows or a tissue. Always properly dispose of used tissues, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Staying home if you or your child is sick and/or has a fever. Also, limit contact with others to keep from spreading the infection. Those who are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine may return to work or school.
Public health officials are working closely with the local school system and other community partners to monitor flu activity in this county. The Southeast Health District and the health department will provide new information as it becomes available.
For the most current information about novel H1N1, visit the Southeast Health District website at http://www.sehdph.org/H1N1flu.htm or the CDC website at www.cdc.govh1n1flu.
Please call in advance to check on H1N1 flu vaccine availability. For more information about flu shots or any other service call the health department at 557-7850 in Reidsville or 654-5290 in Glennville. Because it can take two weeks to develop full immunity after receiving a flu shot, those at highest risk should be vaccinated without delay, public health officials add.
Children six months through nine years old receiving the H1N1 flu shot for the first time will need a follow-up booster one month after the first flu shot.
The H1N1 flu vaccine, which is free, will not protect you from the seasonal flu. The nasal spray form of the H1N1 vaccine may also be available for healthy individuals aged 2 to 24 years.
While getting vaccinated provides the best protection against the flu viruses, public health officials say there are other simple preventive measures residents can take to stop the spread of the novel H1N1 and seasonal flu viruses, which have been circulating in this area of the state since August. They include:
Good hand washing. This is absolutely critical and the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Wash hands frequently for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective. Wash hands before eating, after going to the bathroom, and after coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
Covering coughs and sneezes with your elbows or a tissue. Always properly dispose of used tissues, and avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
Staying home if you or your child is sick and/or has a fever. Also, limit contact with others to keep from spreading the infection. Those who are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine may return to work or school.
Public health officials are working closely with the local school system and other community partners to monitor flu activity in this county. The Southeast Health District and the health department will provide new information as it becomes available.
For the most current information about novel H1N1, visit the Southeast Health District website at
http://www.sehdph.org/H1N1flu.htm or the CDC website at www.cdc.govh1n1flu.
Please call in advance to check on H1N1 flu vaccine availability. For more information about flu shots or any other service call the health department at 557-7850 in Reidsville or 654-5290 in Glennville.
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