The Imperial County Public Health Department announced that school-based clinics have begun in Imperial County and the response from families has been good. These clinics are a result of

partnering efforts between Imperial County Public Health, local healthcare providers and public and private school districts.

Dr. Stephen Munday, County Health Officer stated, “Imperial County’s clinical partners are doing an excellent job providing the vaccine at the schoolbased clinics and have been working closely with the Public Health Department to assure that the clinics run smoothly. The first shipment of vaccine is being used for priority groups that include school-age children and so far the Public Health Department has found that the vaccine has been meeting the needs at the school-based clinics.” Local school districts are each setting up their own methods for notifying parents and students about the availability of vaccine at the school-based clinics. Parents and family members are encouraged to contact their child’s school if they still have not received information about the upcoming vaccination clinics.

El Centro Regional Medical Center, Pioneers Memorial Healthcare District, Clinicas De Salud Del Pueblo and the Public Health Department have each taken the responsibility of staffing a number of the school-based clinics. The clinics are being offered as another option for parents and as a way to assist local providers in making the vaccine available to children and will continue through the rest of the flu season. It is important for the public to remember that the H1N1 Vaccine is highly recommended for children; however H1N1 vaccination is completely voluntary and is not a prerequisite for school attendance.

Groups recommended to receive the first available doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine include children and young adults ages 6 months-24 years of age, those who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, pregnant women, healthcare workers and emergency medical services workers, adults age 25-64 years of age who have certain health conditions such as HIV, diabetes, or heart or lung disease. An additional shipment of vaccine is expected by the end of November or the beginning of December. As the vaccine arrives, additional vaccination clinics will be announced. Most community clinics, private physicians and pediatricians in Imperial County have H1N1 vaccine in stock and will continue to receive shipments throughout the season as well.

School-age children can receive the H1N1 vaccine at a school-based clinic, at a community clinic or from their pediatrician. Pregnant women have access to the vaccine through their obstetricians or at a community clinic. Healthcare and emergency medical services workers will receive the vaccine at their place of work. Adults age 25-64 years of age with certain health conditions and those living or caring for children less than six months of age can get the vaccine with their healthcare provider, or at a community clinic.

To reduce the risk of spreading or becoming infected with this or any other type of flu:

Stay home when you are sick to avoid spreading illness to co-workers and friends. Stay home until at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Children with flu-like symptoms should stay home to avoid spreading illness to classmates and staff. Keep children home until at least 24 hours after the child no longer has a fever or signs of a fever (without the use of fever-reducing medicine). Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and properly dispose of used tissues. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to get rid of most germs and avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Stay healthy by eating a balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting adequate rest and exercise.

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