Monday, January 11, 2010

Healthy 2010 New Year’s Resolution: IMMUNIZE NOW AGAINST H1N1 AND SEASONAL INFLUENZA

[We have received the following from State Rep. Gordon Hintz's office and are please to publish it on their behalf.]

MADISON – January 10-16 is National Influenza Vaccination Week. And while a shot may not seem something to commemorate, avoiding the seasonal and H1N1 flu certainly is.

“While we completed another busy holiday season and are settling back into our normal routines, said Rep. Hintz. “I, like many of you, have made resolutions that will help me be healthier in 2010. And I urge you to add getting your flu shots to your resolution list.”

For anyone who put off getting a flu vaccine due to low supply last fall, now is the perfect time to do so because supplies are more readily available and it is not too late. Many health experts expect a third wave of H1N1 to occur and the seasonal influenza has yet to fully emerge.

“There is now plenty of seasonal and H1N1 vaccine on hand now in Wisconsin and anyone who had to forego a vaccine will have a much easier time now,” said Rep. Hintz.

Each year millions of people in the United States become ill with influenza. On average more than 200,000 people are admitted to hospitals across the country as a result of influenza infection. Nationally, some 36,000 people die each year as a result of influenza infection. Hospitalization rates are highest among children under one year of age and persons over 64 years old.

Influenza is different from a cold, mainly because the symptoms and complications are more severe. Influenza should not be confused with the "stomach flu" that usually involves symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Influenza viruses infect the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) in humans. The onset of the disease usually occurs suddenly and symptoms typically include fever, headache, malaise (a feeling of being ill and without energy), cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.

Both shots are available in Oshkosh free of charge (while supplies last) at:

CITY OF OSHKOSH HEALTH SERVICES DIVISION
Winnebago County
215 Church Avenue
Oshkosh , WI 54901
920-236-5030

Seasonal influenza vaccination is recommended for:
· persons 50 years old or older;
· women who are or will be in their second or third trimester of pregnancy during the influenza season;
· children and adolescents who are receiving long term aspirin therapy; and
· healthy children 6 months through 5 years of age.
· persons 6 months of age or older with heart or lung problems requiring regular medical follow-up or recent hospitalization, cancer or immunologic disorders, AIDS and related conditions, kidney disease, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, anemia, and asthma

The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is recommended for virtually everyone, and especially for people in these groups:
· Pregnant women
· Household contacts and caregivers for children less than 6 months old
· Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
· All people age 6 months through 24 years
· Persons age 25 through 64 years who have conditions associated with higher risk of complications from influenza

For more information, visit:
· Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, Division of Public Health Immunization Program: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/immunization
· H1N1 Influenza Information: http://www.pandemic.wisconsin.gov/
· Local Public Health Department Listing: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/dph_ops/localhealth

[And this is from the City of Oshkosh...]

It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate

(Oshkosh, WI.) The Department of Health and Human Services has designated January 10th – 16th National Influenza Vaccination Week and the city of Oshkosh Health Services Division would like to remind residents that you can still make appointments for vaccinations.

The H1N1 vaccine is now available to everyone. Please call the Health Services Division at (920) 236-5030 to schedule an appointment.

The Health Services Division also has a limited amount of seasonal influenza vaccine. The seasonal vaccine is available for children only. Again, please call the Health Services Division at (920) 236-5030 to make an appointment.

The vaccinations are free of charge.

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