Public Service Announcement

The DeKalb County Health Department is canceling all community flu clinics and Health Department walk-in flu clinics, according to Karen Grush, public health administrator.

“This decision was made after learning that we would not be receiving our entire vaccine order due to the recent suspension in production by the flu vaccine manufacturer Chiron Corporation,” states Grush. “Once we know what the status of our vaccine supply will be, we will be offering a few clinics at the Health Department for DeKalb County residents at highest risk according to CDC criteria,” Grush said.

All health care providers are being asked to prioritize flu vaccine for those who need it the most.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) criteria for highest risk includes:

• all children aged 6 to 23 months
• adults aged 65 years and older
• persons aged 2 to 64 years with underlying chronic medical condition
• all women who will be pregnant during the influenza season
• residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
• children aged 6 months to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
• health care workers involved in direct patient care
• out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children less than 6 months

“We will get word out to the public as soon as clinic times and dates become available. We ask that people continue to watch local media for information,” Grush said. “Fortunately, influenza (flu) is not a life threatening problem for otherwise healthy people. We continue to encourage standard prevention measures.”

To prevent the spread of influenza:

• avoid touching your nose, eyes or mouth after coming in contact with someone with flu symptoms
• use facial tissues when sneezing or coughing
• wash your hands frequently
• stay home if you are sick with the flu.

11-1-04