H1N1 Vaccine
The H1N1 vaccine is still available through Mitchell County Public Health. Appointments for a vaccination can be made by calling 641-832-3500.
Reminder to parents: if your child is between the ages of 6 mths – 9 years of age they will need a second dose. The first and second dose must be 28 days apart.
Please call 641-832-3500 with any questions.
You may also call our hotline # 641-832-3510 for any clinic updates.
Thank you
Mitchell County Public Health!
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Mitchell County did NOT receive recalled vaccine
Vaccine is safe, re-vaccination not necessary
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced a non-safety related voluntary recall of certain lots of H1N1 influenza vaccine for children. The four lots were recalled after the manufacturer, Sanofi Pasteur, found during testing that the strength of the vaccine was below pre-determined levels. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH), Iowa was allocated approximately 28,600 doses of the affected vaccine in approximately 45 counties. Two of the four affected lot numbers were received in Iowa. Mitchell County did not receive any of the recalled lot numbers. “This vaccine is completely safe,” said IDPH Immunization and Tuberculosis Bureau Chief Don Callaghan. “While the manufacturer has determined the strength of the vaccine is slightly below specifications, the FDA and CDC has determined there is no significant reduction in the immune response in those who received this vaccine. For that reason, there is no need to re-vaccinate anyone who received one or both doses of the affected vaccine.”
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Click above to hear the 3 C's!
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Why is my nurse wearing a mask?
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Masks another tool in battle against disease spread
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As the 2009 H1N1 and seasonal influenza seasons progress this fall and winter, you may see more individuals, especially health care workers, wearing protective masks. Does this mean the H1N1 virus is becoming stronger? Should you be wearing a mask? Is it dangerous to go out in public without a mask? These are among the many questions raised by Mitchell County residents. “Although seeing a health care worker wearing a protective mask can be startling, it should actually provide you with a level of comfort,” said Deb Freeman “It’s a sign your health care provider is protecting themselves from the H1N1 virus, and in turn, protecting their patients.”
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Masks help decrease the spread of influenza in your health care provider’s office, and so you may be asked to wear one to if you are coughing or sneezing. “If you’re coughing or sneezing, wearing a mask while you wait to be seen by a health care provider is a thoughtful action you can personally take to stop the spread of disease,” said Freeman If your health care provider wears a mask, it does not mean they are concerned about attending patients. Instead, it is a sign the worker is taking extra steps to stop the spread of the virus to themselves, and the patients they see each day.
“Additionally, we know some employers are asking their workers to be checked by a doctor if they are going to be off work for several days, or before they return to work after illness. Since it is important to keep hospitals, ERs and clinics available to the sickest people, it would be helpful to forgo that practice this flu season,” said Freeman “We are hearing that some offices are already overwhelmed with ill patients.”
A statewide toll-free hotline has been established for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza at 1-800-447-1985. More information can also be found at www.idph.state.ia.us.
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TAKE THE SIMPLE STEPS TO KEEP
YOU AND YOUR FAMILY HEALTHY
The only portals of entry are the nostrils and mouth/throat. In a global epidemic of this nature, it's almost impossible to avoid coming into contact with H1N1 in spite of all precautions. Contact with H1N1 is not so much of a problem as proliferation is. While you are still healthy and not showing any symptoms of H1N1 infection, in order to prevent proliferation, aggravation of symptoms and development of secondary infections, some very simple steps, not fully highlighted in most official communications, can be practiced:
1. Frequent hand-washing
2. "Hands-off-the-face" approach. Resist all temptations to touch any part of face (unless you want to eat or bathe).
3. Gargle twice a day with warm salt water (use Listerine if you don't trust salt). H1N1 takes 2-3 days after initial infection in the throat/ nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling prevents proliferation. In a way, gargling with salt water has the same effect on a healthy individual that Tamiflu has on an infected one. Don't underestimate this simple, inexpensive and powerful preventative method.
4. Clean your nostrils at least once every day with warm salt water. Not everybody may be good at Jala Neti or Sutra Neti (very good Yoga asanas to clean nasal cavities), but blowing the nose hard once a day and swabbing both nostrils with cotton buds dipped in warm salt water is very effective in bringing down viral population.
5. Boost your natural immunity with foods that are rich in Vitamin C (Amla and other citrus fruits). If you have to supplement with Vitamin C tablets, make sure that it also has Zinc to boost absorption.
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For further questions call 1-800-447-1985.
This number will be answered 24 hours a day.
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