CCPH is now able to offer flu shots to the general public for both H1N1 and seasonal flu. Click here for the flu shot clinic schedule in Calhoun County or call the office at 297-8323 to schedule a appointment. 

Cleaning and Disinfection, Masks in Care Facilities

Business Information 

School Information

        H1N1 Guidance for Schools in Statewide Outbreak Situation

        Absenteeism Form

        Fact Sheet for Iowa Schools

        Release of School Names with greater then 10% Absenteeism

Child Care Providers

Public Information and Clinic Locations

        Vaccine Information: H1N1 Vaccine: Live attenuated intranasal and injectable

                                            Seasonal: Live attenuated intranasal and injectable 

Guide for parents

Current Happenings

        Vaccine Safety 10-13-09

        Influenza Activity Increasing 10-14-09

Current flu case numbers

IDPH Sharing Document 11-13-09

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The highest H1N1 priority groups are:

·         pregnant women,

·         people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age,

·         health care and emergency medical services personnel,

·         children between the ages of 6 months through 18 years of age

H1N1 vaccine can be in the form of a nasal spray, which is not recommended for some people (such as pregnant women, children with asthma, and age restrictions), it is important to talk to your health care provider about getting the vaccine. As more H1N1 vaccine is available, the priority groups will be expanded.  The other H1N1 vaccine is in the injectable form. 

“Seasonal flu vaccine distributors tell us that shipments to Calhoun County Public Health may not arrive until late November,” says Condon, “In a ‘normal’ year, this would be the ideal time to get your flu shot.  But this is not a normal year and our intentions were to get the vaccine out as early as possible.  We are very sorry for the delay.”  Delayed seasonal flu vaccine shipments may also mean priority groups, such as health care workers will be offered the vaccine first.  Seasonal flu vaccine will be offered to the public, as the vaccine becomes available.  Locations and dates will be published in our local papers and web site and posted in multiple community sites.  Medical clinics will also be notified.  

The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine can be given at the same time and at any time in any sequence with one exception: if using the live nasal spray vaccine for both the seasonal flu and H1N1, they should be given 4 weeks apart to ensure the best protection from both vaccines.

In addition, it remains important to take personal actions to prevent the spread of disease:

·         Cover your cough,

·         Clean your hands, and

·         Contain germs by staying home when ill.

A statewide toll-free hotline has been established for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza at 1-800-447-1985 or call Calhoun County Public Health at 712-297-8323. More information can also be found at www.idph.state.ia.us or www.calcopublichealth.com or www.flu.gov.

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR IF YOU ARE HOMEBOUND:  CALL CALHOUN COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AT 712/297-8323 or 1-800-437-1273 DURING OUR REGULAR OFFICE HOURS 8:30 – 4:30 MONDAY – FRIDAY.

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Information for Businesses:

·         These documents provide recommendations for prioritizing cleaning efforts and clarify the types of cleaning products appropriate for influenza.

Influenza Activity Increasing in Iowa

Schools bitten by the bug

The number of Iowa schools with absences due to influenza-like illness is rising. Monday, October 12, 56 schools in 23 counties reported to the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) that at least 10 percent of their enrollment was absent due to illness. The average percent absent for the schools reporting was 15 percent of students out due to illness.

“This is not unexpected,” said IDPH Medical Director, Dr. Patricia Quinlisk. “So far with H1N1 influenza, the largest number of cases has been in people between the ages of 5 and 24. Schools are a typical place where viruses spread among students, from students to their teachers, and from students to their families.” Because the H1N1 vaccine is being allocated to states on a staggered basis and may not be immediately available to all school children, it is important for students to be watchful for the signs of influenza and take action to prevent the spread of the virus at their schools.

By planning ahead, child care can be easier for everyone. Parents can contact others in the neighborhood or parents from their children’s classroom to make prior arrangements for ill children. For example, parents can stagger their time off from work by arranging for several children to go to one parent’s home one day, and someone else’s the next. If you have several ill children in one home, it’s a good idea to keep them in separate rooms if possible. This will help slow the spread of any additional viruses circulating among the kids.

Symptoms of H1N1 influenza are similar to seasonal flu and include a fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people with H1N1 flu may also have diarrhea and vomit. Because H1N1 is spread by person-to-person contact, it is important for students who are ill to stay home from school until their cough significantly improves and they are fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.

For more information about H1N1 influenza, visit www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/default.asp.  

Lucas State Office Building, 321 E. 12th Street, Des Moines, IA 50319-0075  1-866-227-9878  www.idph.state.ia.us DEAF RELAY (Hearing or Speech Impaired) 711 or 1-800-735-2942 Chester J. Culver Patty Judge Governor Lt. Governor Thomas Newton, MPP, REHS Director

Memorandum

From: Patricia Quinlisk, MD, MPH

Date: October 29, 2009

Re: Release of school names with 10 percent or greater school absenteeism