News -- Oak Park, Illinois

NEWS

H1N1 Flu Special News Report

H1N1 community clinics to end

Jan. 20, 2010 - With demand for H1N1 influenza vaccine waning, and availability growing through pharmacies and private doctors' offices, Oak Park public health officials say they will end their large-scale, formal clinics this month. Residents who still need vaccinations are encouraged to contact their primary care physicians or local pharmacy to receive H1N1 vaccine. Oak Park residents who are unable to locate a vaccination resource may call the Health Department at 708.358.5601 for assistance.

Public health experts warn that influenza is unpredictable and a future wave of H1N1 influenza is possible. Vaccination is considered the single best way to reduce the health impact of flu, officials say, so those who get the vaccine are helping protect themselves, their family members and others around them.

Since the Oak Park Department of Public Health began administering H1N1 vaccine in late October, nearly 9,000 doses have been given.

For more information on H1N1, e-mail health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480.

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Parents urged to get second dose of H1N1 for children under 10

Dec. 30, 2009 - The Centers for Disease Control is urging parents of children under age 10 to obtain the second 'booster' dose for their children who have received the first dose at least 21 days prior. According to CDC officials, the best way to assure that children under age 10 are fully protected against H1N1 is to be vaccinated with 2 doses, at least 21 days apart.

H1N1 vaccinations are available by appointment for any child or adult, including second doses for children under age 10, regardless of where the first dose was given. The H1N1 vaccination is free, but an appointment is required – just call 708.358.5601.

For more information on H1N1 clinics, e-mail health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480.

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H1N1 vaccine now available to all who call for an appointment

Dec. 10, 2009 - With increased availability of H1N1 vaccine, the Oak Park Department of Public Health now is offering vaccinations to any resident who calls for an appointment. Vaccinations initially were limited to those considered most at risk from complications from the disease. However, public health officials say enough vaccine now is available to vaccinate any individual regardless of age or health status. The H1N1 vaccination is free, but an appointment is required – just call 708.358.5601.

In the meantime, officials are continuing to urge those residents in the at-risk categories who have not scheduled an appointment to do so now. Those considered most at risk for complications from the H1N1 virus include individuals six months to 24 years old, pregnant women, adults ages 25 - 64 with a chronic illness such as diseases of the heart and lungs, asthma, diabetes and HIV, healthcare workers and caretakers of children less than six months old. Children under the age of 10 years require a second dose, given approximately a month after the first, but no sooner than 21 days.

Health officials also are urging individuals to take steps to minimize the chances of becoming ill, including taking the following measures:

Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water – especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners also are effective.
Practice respiratory etiquette. The main way the flu spreads is from person to person in the droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it is important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
Stay home if you are sick. Staying at home means that individuals with the flu keep their viruses to themselves rather than sharing them with others.

For more information on H1N1 clinics, e-mail health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480.

Useful Information

H1N1 Appointments:
708.358.5601

Information:
708.358.5480
health@oak-park.us

H1N1 Vaccine Fact Sheet

Useful Links: