H1N1 Vaccine Will Be Available In Calaveras County Next Week

Calaveras County Health Officer, Dr. Dean Kelaita, was Wednesday’s KVML “Newsmaker of the Day” to discuss the latest on the H1N1 virus (also known as the swine flu).

“The Calaveras County Public Health Department is working closely with local health providers and  Mark Twain St. Joseph’s Hospital to identify any local cases,” said Kelaita. “The Public Health Department will provide information and updates to the community through the local media and the Public Health website. “Even with the vaccine soon available, preventive actions are important for individuals, families and the community.

According to Kelaita, the vaccine should be available in Calaveras County within the next seven days. It will be available through both Mark Twain Hospital clinics as well as through private physicians. Both children and young adults are recommended to receive the shot first. 

Kelaita recommended that the community take the following prevention steps to avoid the H1N1 virus:

Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

If you get sick with influenza, stay home from work or school. Limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw used tissue in the trash.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.

Persons who recently traveled to Mexico and become ill with flu-like symptoms should contact their medical provider.

Flu symptoms include fever, cough and a sore throat. Other symptoms may occur such as runny nose, body aches, vomiting or diarrhea.

Health care providers will determine whether influenza testing is needed.

Information on swine flu iand vaccination shots s available at the Public Health Department website at www.co.calaveras.ca.us or by calling the Calaveras County Public Health Department at (209) 754-6460.

The Newsmaker of the Day is heard each weekday morning on AM 1450 KVML at 6:47, 7:47 and 8:47am

Written by the Calaveras County Public Health Department and mark@mlode.com