Flu Vaccine Update

FAYETTE COUNTY HEALTH DEPT.

140 Stonewall Ave West
Suite 107
Fayetteville, GA 30214
770.461.1178 Ext.5416

October 19, 2004

Dear Fayette Countian:

Due to shortages in the supply of influenza vaccine this year, the Health Department (HD) has been ordered to cancel all flu clinics as public health leaders determine the best way to distribute what vaccine there is statewide. You may read the letter that discusses the rationale for the current course of action by going to the District 4 Public Health website at: www.district4health.org and clicking on the Flu Shot Update icon in the upper left corner of the page.

Again: please do not come to the Health Department for flu shots at this time, as we have been ordered to suspend all flu immunization until further notice.

We are very sorry for the inconvenience that the situation has caused for everyone. Unfortunately, the health department has no control over the matter.

We will inform the public of changes in the current situation by placing ads in both the Fayette Daily News and the Citizen Newspaper; by placing posters in the window and on the door at the HD; and by placing information on the public access channel: Comcast Cable Channel 23. We will also update our phone message as soon as the current restriction is lifted.

At this point I think that I can safely say that when we are able to give the immunizations again, they will only be given to those people who fit the “high risk criteria” as set forth by the CDC and GA Public Health. Those considered to be at high risk are:

Persons age 65 or older
Children 6 to 23 months old
Adults and children with a chronic health condition (i.e. heart disease, diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, asthma, or HIV/AIDS)
Residents of nursing homes and long-term care facilities
Women who will be pregnant during flu season
Children aged 6 mos to 18 years on chronic aspirin therapy
Healthcare workers involved in direct patient care
Out-of-home caregivers and household contacts of children younger than 6 months.

For those who do not fit the “high-risk” criteria, please note that vaccination is not the only way to help prevent the flu. You can still protect yourself and others from the spread of germs by:

Avoiding close contact with those who are sick. If you are sick, keep your distance from others.
Staying at home when you are sick if at all possible. And do not send children to school if they are sick and feverish.
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
Washing your hands often. It will help protect you from germs.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs on your hands find easy entry into the body in these areas.

Other good habits, such as getting plenty of sleep, engaging in physical activity, managing stress, drinking water, and eating good food, will help you stay healthy in the winter and all year.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Cynthia D. Grant RN, BSN, MGA
County Nurse Manager