Health department Encourages H1N1 Clinics For Businesses and Organizations

WHEELING, WV — The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department is encouraging local businesses, organizations, groups and clubs to host an H1N1 clinic at their worksites or designated meeting places.

The health department will provide the H1N1 vaccine and staff to any establishment that requests to have a clinic with a minimum of 20 employees or participants. There is no charge for a clinic to be set up at an offsite location, and the vaccine is free for all individuals.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department currently holds general public H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination clinics at the health department.  These clinics are held from 9:00-11:00am and again from 1:00-3:00pm on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Participants need to make an appointment and vaccine and supplies maybe limited.  Both nasal and injectable forms of H1N1 vaccine will be available during clinics.  The health department anticipates that anyone who wants a H1N1 vaccination will be able to receive one.

Vaccination for younger children spread out between 21-28 days.The CDC’s recommendation for younger vaccinations are that children receive one dose for age 10 and above and two (2) doses age 9 and below.

The H1N1 vaccination is not mandatory; rather individuals will receive recommendations on who should receive the vaccine.  If the vaccine is recommended for use, those who choose vaccination for themselves or their children will be screened for contraindications to vaccination (such as an allergy to eggs ) and will receive information sheets describing the vaccine’s risks and benefits, possible adverse events associated with vaccination, and how to report these events.

The Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department continues to advise individuals on simple precautions to prevent the spread of the H1N1 and regular Flu virus.

• 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.
• If you get sick with influenza, CDC recommends that you stay home from work, school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.
• If you have flu like symptoms, stay at home for at least 24 hours after you are free of a fever or signs of fever without using fever reducing medications is gone.

Organizations or business should call the health department by January 20^th to schedule a clinic.  For more information call the Wheeling-Ohio County Health Department at (304) 234-3682 or visit our website at www.ohiocountyhealth.com.