Flu vaccine restrictions lifted locally

[JAN. 28, 2005]  The CDC has once again relaxed restrictions on who can receive this year's flu vaccine. The restriction was relaxed a couple of weeks ago to include anyone over the age of 50. At that time the Logan County Health Department had 180 doses. As of Wednesday the CDC relaxed recommendations further. They are now leaving the decision up to local authorities to determine any restriction according to the vaccine need and availability locally.

Administrator Mark Hilliard said that anyone can now get a flu shot at the local health department. About 130 doses are available.

The department is taking walk-ins between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. If you would like to, you can call in advance to check availability.

This has not been a heavy flu year so far, Hilliard said. Early vaccination of the most vulnerable and caretakers may have helped keep the incidence down. He said there has been a little regional activity in neighboring states, but most of the reported Illinois flu has been in the Chicago area.

Another plus is that the flu going around this year is close in strain to last year's flu. The vaccine would have worked well at preventing people from getting the flu.

The Logan County Health Department phone number is [phone]. The location is 109 Third St. in Lincoln.

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Life Sentence, No Parole

If we tried to invent the cruelest punishment for dogs, we probably couldn't come up with anything worse than "solitary confinement" on a chain or in a kennel.

Dogs are pack animals who crave the companionship of others.  Scratches behind the ears, games of fetch, or even just walks around the block mean the world to them.  Curling up at your feet while you watch TV is their idea of heaven.

Many dogs left to fend for themselves at the end of a chain fall prey to attacks by other animals or cruel people, and many others are injured or hanged or choke as a result of getting entangled or caught in their tether.

If you have a backyard dog, please, bring him or her inside.  They don't want much--just you.

A public service announcement from Lincoln Daily News and helpinganimals.com

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• February meeting to focus on achieving pain relief

• Pharmaceutical assistance phone number corrected
  Applications for pharmaceutical assistance program due

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• Staying healthy in the 21st century
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• When you must go out in the cold

• Have fun but remember safety when enjoying winter sports

Scholarships

• Health care career scholarships offered for area youth
  Application deadline March 19

• Other scholarships