Thursday, August 19, 2010
Contact: Laura Willingham at (252)475-5079 (office) or lauraw@darenc.com

Recommendations for Yearly Flu Vaccination

Annual influenza vaccination is the most effective method for preventing flu/influenza virus infection and its complications. The Dare County Department of Public Health would like Dare County residents and visitors to know that routine influenza vaccination is now recommended for all persons aged ≥6 months. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP), a committee of experts appointed by the Secretary of the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services, collected evidence and data, analyzed the information  and found annual influenza vaccination is a safe and effective way to prevent influenza and is a benefit in all age groups.

For many years, the health care community has know that routine vaccination to persons at higher risk for influenza complications such as seniors over 65 has reduced the risk for influenza complications for those groups. New studies over the past five years show that expanding the vaccine use to all age groups will help to reduce the overall influenza burden. The annual flu deaths in the country are estimated at 36,000. According to the NC Center for Health Statistics, mortality data collected from 2004-2008 indicates that in Dare County, Flu/Pneumonia is the third leading cause of death and is more than twice the state average. By getting a flu vaccine every year those numbers may be reduced.

The flu season has started across the country. “We know the flu season has begun here in North Carolina, so if you haven’t been vaccinated, it’s time to do so” said Anne Thomas Dare County Health Director. “Flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from influenza virus infection and its complications.”

Besides getting your flu shot, you can take other actions to stop spread of the flu and other respiratory diseases:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.

• Use tissues and throw them away after each use.

• Wash hands often.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.

• If you have flu symptoms, stay home

However the single most effective practice for preventing influenza remains annual vaccination.  For more information regarding the recommendations for annual influenza vaccinations contact Dare County Department of Public Health, Immunization Public Health Nurse Margaret Parker at 475-5003. 

Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Contact Laura Willingham at (252) 475-5079 (office), (252) 216-5765 (cell), or lauraw@darenc.com

Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinics Scheduled

The Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH) recommends a yearly flu vaccine as the first and most important step in protecting against flu viruses. This years flu vaccine protects against the three viruses that research suggests will be most common. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu as soon as the 2010-2011 season vaccine is available.
 
The DCDPH has scheduled four (4) flu vaccination clinics for seasonal flu vaccine. Vaccinations will be available at the following locations for anyone 6 months and up:
 

Manns Harbor Community Center
Thursday, September 23, 2010
3:00- 5:00

Dare Center– Manteo
Monday, September 27, 2010
9:00 – 4:00     
 
Baum Center – Kill Devil Hills
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
9-11:30 and 1:00-4:00
 
Dare County Department of Public Health - Frisco
Friday, October 1, 2010
1:30 – 5:00
 
Southern Shores Fire Department
Monday, October 4, 2010
9:00-4:00     
     
Please call the Dare County Department of Public Health at 475-5003, Friday, September 10th through Tuesday, September 14th from 8:30 to 4:30 to schedule your appointment for Southern Shores, Manteo or Kill Devil Hills and 475-9320 to schedule appointment for Frisco location.
 
The cost of the flu vaccine is $34.00. We accept cash, check, Medicare, Medicaid and BC/BS.      
 
For more information about the Flu or Flu Vaccination, contact the Dare County Department of Public Health, Margaret Parker, Immunization Public Health Nurse at 475-5003 or visit www.flu.gov.

Thursday July 8, 2010
Contact: Laura Willingham at 252-475-5079 (office) or lauraw@darenc.com

August is National Immunization Awareness Month 

The Dare County Department of Public Health (DCDPH) is celebrating August as National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM) by encouraging everyone to make sure they are current on their vaccinations.

Vaccine preventable diseases and their complications are responsible for more than 30,000 deaths in the United States each year” said Anne Thomas, Director of the Dare County Department of Public Health.  “Ensuring your families’ vaccinations are up to date is an effective way to prevent serious life-threatening diseases”.  

Vaccines are important across the life span. From a child getting vaccinated against measles and whooping cough to an adolescent being protected against meningitis, to an older adult avoiding the pain of shingles, there are good reasons for everyone to stay current with their immunizations and discuss vaccines with their health care provider.

Because children are particularly vulnerable to infections, most vaccines are given during the first five to six years of life. With back to school time just around the corner, the Dare County Department of Public Health would like to remind you that the following immunizations are required for children before entering Kindergarten:

• Children must have five doses of DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) with one dose on or after the fourth birthday; if the fourth dose is on or after the fourth birthday, the fifth dose is not required.
• Four doses of IPV (Polio) with one dose on or after the fourth birthday; if the third dose is on or after the fourth birthday, the fourth dose is not required.

• Two doses of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) with one dose on or after the first birthday and the second prior to Kindergarten.

• Three doses of Hepatitis B.

• Four doses of HIB (Haemophilis Influenza) given before the fifth birthday. The HIB series is complete if at least one dose is given on or after 15 months of age.

• One dose Varicella on or after the first birthday

In addition, a booster dose of Tdap (tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis) vaccine is required for the following age groups:

• All individuals attending public school who are entering the sixth grade on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
• All individuals not attending public schools (i.e., private, home school, non-traditional schools) who are 12 years of age on or after August 1, 2008, if five years or more have passed since the last dose of tetanus/diphtheria toxoid.
• Individuals enrolling in college or university for the first time on or after July 1, 2008, if a tetanus/diphtheria toxoid or tetanus/diphtheria/pertussis vaccine has not been administered within the past 10 years.

More information is available by contacting the child’s health care provider or Margaret Parker, DCDPH Immunization Nurse at 475-5003. Immunizations must be received prior to school entry.