 "We anticipate another wave of H1N1 flu this winter into spring, and
the seasonal flu has recently emerged in the area as suggested by
local surveillance," according to Mark Hilliard, administrator of
the health department."We also want to encourage children who
have received one dose of either the H1N1 or seasonal flu vaccine
and require a booster: Return to the health department for the
second dose," Hilliard said.
Children 6 months to 9 years of age need two doses of H1N1
vaccine in order to develop full immunity. They also need two doses
of seasonal flu vaccine if they are receiving the vaccine for the
first time.
In addition, people 65 years and older are recommended for annual
seasonal flu vaccination. People 65 and older who have not yet
gotten a seasonal flu vaccine should still seek vaccination,
although supplies of seasonal flu vaccine are limited because of
early availability of, and high interest in, seasonal flu vaccine
this year.
People 65 years and older are also now encouraged to seek
vaccination against H1N1 flu, and local supply of that vaccine is
sufficient.
Supplies of the vaccines to protect against the H1N1 virus are
increasing, and many places, including the Logan County Department
of Public Health, have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it.
This vaccine is the best way to protect against the 2009 H1N1
pandemic virus. Those who have been patiently waiting to receive the
H1N1 vaccine, including people 65 years and older, are now
encouraged to get vaccinated, according to the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention.
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School, work and the activities of healthy living are too important
to miss out on due to flu-related illness. The best way to prevent
the flu is with a flu vaccine. And to prevent the spread of the flu,
take everyday preventive actions including covering coughs, washing
hands often and avoiding people who are sick.
Both flu vaccines are available at the Logan County Department of
Public Health Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. For more
information, check www.lcdph.org
or call 217-735-2317, ext. 320.
The health department will be closed Christmas Eve, Christmas
Day, New Year's Day and Martin Luther King Day.
[Text from file received from
the
Logan County Department of Public
Health]
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