H1N1 flu vaccination clinics

The 2009 H1N1 flu pandemic continues to make news headlines worldwide. The El Paso County Department of Health and Environment continues to play a critical role in monitoring potential health risks, educating the public, coordinating emergency response efforts with public safety agencies and providing timely updates to health care and service providers.Our role, as a local public health organization, also consists of working closely with local physicians, hospitals and pharmacies to expedite the distribution of the H1N1 flu vaccine within the county. We have been working diligently to provide the limited supplies of H1N1 vaccine as quickly as possible to people at high risk for H1N1 flu infection and suffering from complications. Several H1N1 flu vaccination clinics have been held for El Paso County residents, and there are more planned.The Health Department’s next large-scale community H1N1 vaccination clinic will be held Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Citadel Mall at 750 Citadel Drive East in Colorado Springs. The clinic starts at 10 a.m. Vaccinations will be provided free of charge on a first come first served basis while supplies last to the following high-risk groups:

• pregnant women
• parents/caretakers for children younger than 6 months
• all people 6 months through 24 years of age
• people age 25 through 64 years with chronic health conditions
• health care workers

The Health Department also has partnered with Peak Vista Community Health Centers and the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern Colorado and other community health care agencies to provide H1N1 flu vaccinations. For a list of upcoming H1N1 flu vaccination clinics and to find one nearest to you, visit www.elpasocountyhealth.org or call the Pikes Peak United Way’s Health and Human services phone line at 2-1-1 or the toll-free Colorado Help Line at 877-462-2911.At this time, in the United States, the H1N1 flu continues to be similar to seasonal flu. The symptoms of seasonal and H1N1 flu in people include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with H1N1 flu. Severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with H1N1 flu infection. Like seasonal flu, H1N1 flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.Everyday prevention actions can help limit the spread of germs that cause respiratory illnesses like influenza. Please practice the following measures to protect your health:

• Stay home if you are sick or have a fever and respiratory problems.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it.
• 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.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Again, we ask that all El Paso County residents stay informed about H1N1 flu and vaccination opportunities. Please visit our Web site, www.elpasocountyhealth.org, for more information, updates and printable resources to promote hand washing and illness prevention.