The Bulloch County Health Department will hold a special H1N1 flu shot clinic on Monday, Dec. 7, from 3 until 7 p.m. The shots are free to everyone. The CDC recommends that certain groups of the population receive the H1N1 flu shot. These target groups include:
- Persons aged 6 months-24 years;
- Pregnant women;
- Persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings and daycare providers);
- Healthcare and emergency medical personnel with direct patient care; and
- Persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
- Children 6 months through 9 years old receiving the H1N1 flu shot for the first time will need a follow-up booster one month after the first shot.
While getting vaccinated provides the best protection, public health officials say there are other simple preventive measures residents can take to stop the spread of the H1N1 flu virus which has 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 the H1N1 flu virus visit the Southeast Health District website at http://www.sehdph.org/H1N1flu.htm or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
For more information about the H1N1 flu shot clinic or any other Public Health service call the Bulloch County Health Department at 764-3800.
- Persons aged 6 months-24 years;
- Pregnant women;
- Persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months of age (e.g., parents, siblings and daycare providers);
- Healthcare and emergency medical personnel with direct patient care; and
- Persons aged 25-64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.
- Children 6 months through 9 years old receiving the H1N1 flu shot for the first time will need a follow-up booster one month after the first shot.
While getting vaccinated provides the best protection, public health officials say there are other simple preventive measures residents can take to stop the spread of the H1N1 flu virus which has 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 the H1N1 flu virus visit the Southeast Health District website at http://www.sehdph.org/H1N1flu.htm or the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu.
For more information about the H1N1 flu shot clinic or any other Public Health service call the Bulloch County Health Department at 764-3800.