| MISSION STATEMENT
Apache County Clinical Services shall protect, promote, and enhance the health and well-being of individuals, families, and communities in Apache County by empowering them to make informed decisions and adopt healthy behaviors.
|
| This fall the students of Southern Apache County Schools (Round Valley, St. Johns, Vernon, Alpine, & Concho) will be given the opportunity to receive free seasonal flu vaccine through a school-based campaign. Flu is often spread by children who are not as diligent as adults at covering their coughs and sneezes or washing hands. The public health office is partnering with schools to offer this service so as to reduce absenteeism and keep our community healthier this winter. Parents need to fill out the consent form (posted on this page) and either return it to the school or the public health office. Children who participate in this campaign will be entered into a drawing to receive a free Nintendo Wii! Public Health also has other give-aways and incentives set aside for this program thanks to the assistance of our community partners.
Most people have heard about the H1N1 virus and are wondering whether a vaccine will be available. The Centers for Disease Control is currently testing the vaccine and anticipates that it will be available to local public health offices by October. When the vaccine becomes available children (6 months through 24 years of age) will again be the primary target group to receive the vaccine. Apache County will continue to partner with the schools to make this vaccine available when we get it. Other populations that will be eligible to receive the vaccine when it first becomes available are pregnant women, caregivers of children under 6 months of age, healthcare and emergency medical services personnel, and individuals (25-64 years old) with chronic diseases. The public health office will be offering flu shot clinics on Wednesdays in our St. Johns office and Thursdays at our office in Round Valley to serve these populations after we receive the vaccine. Eventually there will be enough H1N1 vaccine for the entire population, but in the beginning it will probably be restricted to the target groups listed above.
You can stop the spread of flu by following these simple steps!
- 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 hands cleaners are also effective.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.
- Stay home if you get sick. CDC recommends that you stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
- Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds, obtaining vaccines, and other social distancing measures.
For more information, check out the H1N1 flu vaccination resources available through the CDC at: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/
Also parents and caregivers can look at the CDC resources: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents/
|
