Woodstock IL – To effectively prepare for the anticipated H1N1 flu virus this fall, McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is working closely with its community partners – hospitals, clinics, physicians, schools and pharmacies – to offer multiple opportunities for high risk individuals to receive flu vaccinations at convenient times and locations. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the first tiered group to receive vaccinations would include:
1. Pregnant women
2. People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age;
3. Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel;
4. Persons between the ages of 6 months through 24 years of age;
5. Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications
The vaccine for H1N1 is currently undergoing clinical trials. Distribution is expected in mid-October. More information on the H1N1 vaccine will be announced at a later date. It is important to remember that seasonal flu shots do not provide protection against the H1N1 virus. The H1N1 flu vaccination campaign is a fluid situation, subject to change, based upon the vaccine’s availability and the severity of the illness.
Anyone who wishes to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting the seasonal flu should get a flu shot. The best way to provide protection from illness is to follow the 3 C’s:
1. Clean – wash your hands several times a day with soap and water (especially after using high touch areas such as telephones, door knobs and keyboards)
2. Cover your cough – with your elbow, instead of sneezing into your hands; teach this to your children as well
3. Contain – stay home if you have flu-like symptoms to keep from spreading the virus
MCDH has a dedicated webpage for H1N1 (www.mcdh.info, click on H1N1) to provide residents with the most recent information or call the hotline (815-334-2800). The Illinois Department of Public Health (www.idph.state.il.us) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (www.cdc.gov) also offer state and national perspectives. You can also follow MCDH on Twitter (www.twitter.com/mchenrycohealth) to get real-time health news in your community.
Joe Cicero Weekdays 5a-10a
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