The vaccine is safe and there is no need to revaccinate
As you probably heard, a manufacturer of the H1N1 vaccine - Sanofi Pasteur - has issued a voluntary recall for four (4) lots of its injectable H1N1 influenza vaccine for children 6-35 months. There are no safety concerns, but the affected lots have slightly diminished amounts of antigen, which is why it is being recalled. The announcement of the recall was made today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The voluntary recall affects 800,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department received 900 of the recalled doses, which are pre-filled syringes intended for young children ages 6 to 35 months old. Private providers who received the recalled doses are being notified directly and asked to return them to the manufacturer.
“The recall does not affect the safety of the vaccine,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Health Officer for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. “The vaccine in question may be slightly less potent, but kids don't need to get revaccinated. If they haven’t yet had their second dose, they should get it as scheduled.”
The recalled doses were used at clinics the County held at the County Fairgrounds on December 6 and December 12, and at clinics offered at its California Children’s Services site on Empey Way. All 900 recalled doses received by the Public Health Department came from one lot number: PF 0.25 UT030CA.. For children vaccinated at one of the County’s clinics, the lot number is written on the blue cards parents received when their child was vaccinated.
The recalled doses were detected during routine testing by Sanofi Pasteur. Testing revealed that the amount of antigens in the four lots did not meet the required levels. While the antigen content of these lots is below the specification limit, the CDC and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are in agreement that the small decrease in antigen content is unlikely to result in a significant reduction in immune response among children who received the vaccine.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has been working to protect the public from the H1N1 flu virus since it emerged last spring. The County has held five large-scale vaccination clinics at the County Fairgrounds and other smaller clinics at Valley Health Centers and Gardner Family Health Centers.
This past weekend, more than 8,100 individuals at risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 influenza virus were vaccinated at Santa Clara County’s free clinics. At the County Fairgrounds site, nearly 1,000 children under age 10 received their second dose. Children under 10 need two vaccinations to get the best protection against the H1N1 flu virus.
These were the last free H1N1 vaccination clinics being offered by the County this year. Clinics will again be scheduled in January. To find the clinic schedule, continue to check the Public Health Department’s website at www.sccphd.org.
As of December 9th, 825 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized for serious complications related to the H1N1 influenza virus and 15 have died since May 1st. That is an increase of 40 hospitalizations and one (1) death over the previous week.
For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
";
article[91120091] = "91120091^About the Seasonal Flu Vaccine^09/2009^
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. But with seasonal flu and pandemic H1N1 flu virus around this fall, you might ask – “Should I bother getting a seasonal flu shot?” Yes you should. And get it now, not later.
Seasonal flu is as much of a concern as it has always been and a regular flu shot will protect you and your family from the body aches, cough and misery of seasonal flu. By getting this vaccine now, you can cross off one important prevention action from your list.
As you probably know, seasonal flu vaccinations have begun (H1N1 flu shots won’t be available until late in the season) and in general, anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting seasonal flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that certain people get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious complications from the flu or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
Here’s who should get the seasonal flu vaccine each year:
Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday;
Pregnant women;
People 50 years of age and older;
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
Health care workers;
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu;
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).
And please remember, “ordinary” flu should not to be taken lightly. Each year in the United States, about 200,000 people are hospitalized with severe flu symptoms, and 36,000 die.
You probably have more questions about the seasonal flu vaccine, so please take a look at the following for some of the answers.
1. Why should I get it now? There are a couple of reasons. By getting your seasonal flu vaccine now, you’ll have one less thing to worry about. Also, with seasonal flu and pandemic H1N1 circulating, health officials are expecting there will be a lot of flu this fall. With the likelihood that many people will get sick, doctors’ offices could be very busy. By getting your seasonal vaccine now, you won’t have to stress about how quickly (or not) you can get into your doctor’s office at the height of flu season.
2. If I get the vaccine early, will it last through the flu season? Yes. Typically, people start getting their seasonal flu vaccine in October, so it really isn’t too early to get your seasonal flu vaccine. It will offer protection throughout this flu season.
3. Is it safe? Yes, the seasonal flu vaccine is safe and effective, but there are some people who should not be vaccinated without first consulting a physician:
People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs;
People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination;
Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group), and;
People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated).
4. Will the seasonal flu vaccine also protect against the 2009 H1N1 flu? The seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the 2009 H1N1 flu.
5. Can the seasonal vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine be given at the same time? The seasonal flu shot and the 2009 H1N1 flu shot can be given at the same time as long as the shots are given at different locations on your arm. However, the nasal seasonal flu vaccine (flu mist) and the nasal H1N1 vaccine can not be given at the same time. It’s important to remember that the usual seasonal influenza viruses are expected to cause illness starting this fall. The seasonal vaccine is available now - and the sooner you get it, the sooner you’ll be protected against seasonal flu.
6. Who is recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine once it arrives? H1N1 is making younger, healthier people sick - ages 5 years to 24 years. They have made up most of the H1N1 cases so they are an important group to get the H1N1 vaccine. The other groups that are recommended to get the H1N1 vaccine are:
Pregnant women;
Household members of and caregivers to infants < 6 months
Children and young adults ages 6 months to 24 years
Health-care and emergency medical services personnel
Persons aged 25 – 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at highest risk for influenza-related complications. Those conditions include:
Chronic lung conditions, including asthma;
Chronic conditions of the heart, kidney, liver, blood, or metabolic system (including diabetes);
Compromised immune system, because of medications or HIV infection.
7. I am 50 years old and not a first priority for receiving the H1N1 flu vaccine. Why? People born before 1958 seem to have some natural immunity to H1N1. This is probably why we have not seen as many H1N1 infections in this age group, especially when compared to the number of cases in younger adults and children. However, if you have a chronic medical condition you should be vaccinated. Talk with your medical provider about your need for the H1N1 vaccine or if you have questions.
8. What are my chances of getting sick from the vaccine? You can't get the flu from the influenza vaccine. Soreness at the injection site is a common side effect of the shot, but some people do get a mild fever, body aches, and fatigue for a few days after the vaccine.
9. How can I get my seasonal flu vaccine? The vaccine has been shipped to most medical providers, so you should contact your physician’s office about getting the vaccine. Also, many drug stores offer the vaccine at a reasonable cost, so that’s another good option.
";
article[50720101] = "50720101^Cinco de Mayo H1N1 Mobile Vaccination Clinics a Success^05/2010^
Cinco de Mayo H1N1 Mobile Vaccination Clinics a Success
Nearly 500 people got vaccinated against the H1N1 flu this Cinco de Mayo weekend during local festivities. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department held two free mobile vaccination clinics as part of a larger community outreach effort to encourage Latinos to get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
Latinos have experienced higher hospitalization rates and death rates due to the H1N1 flu. Nationally, they have experienced nearly double the hospitalization rates for H1N1 as Whites (30.7 per 100,000 people compared to 16.3) and higher death rates than Whites, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and African Americans.
While flu activity is light right now, flu experts can not predict if and when another wave of flu might strike. As of April 13, 1,058 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized due to H1N1 and 20 people have died since May 2009.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department took the occasion of the Cinco de Mayo festivities this past weekend to reach out to communities that the Department was unable to reach before at its larger fairground clinics that took place this fall and winter. The Public Health Department enlisted the help of Spanish-speaking Promotoras (lay community outreach workers) to reach out to Latinos.
The effort has resulted in new partnerships with two community-based agencies, Vision y Compromiso and St. Louis Regional Hospital. They specialize in working with Promotoras to conduct community outreach using a “street-team” model.
On Saturday, over 200 free vaccines were given out in Gilroy during the third annual Fruit and Veggie Fest held at Arteagas Super Save Market. The event is organized by Network for a Healthy California—Bay Area Region (Network), which is spearheaded by the Public Health Department’s Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division.
The Network teamed up with Arteaga’s Super Save Market, the South County Collaborative, Western Growers Association, and numerous other community based organizations to help low-income shoppers learn how to shop smart to improve their health and the health of their families. This year, the event also included a H1N1 mobile clinic were many mono-lingual Spanish speakers were able to get vaccinated who might have not otherwise been able to do so.
On Sunday, over 250 people received free H1N1 vaccines during the Cinco de Mayo festivities in downtown San Jose at Guadalupe Park. Everyone who got vaccinated at either weekend clinics were entered into drawings for gift certificates for either Artegas Super Save Market or Mi Pueble Supermercado, or certificates to Fry’s Electronics, Willow Street Pizza, Sports Basement, Silver Creek Sports Complex, and Sonoma Chicken Coop that were donated by our sponsors.
An Apple iPod Nano with camera was also raffled off as the grand prize and was awarded to Agigail Perez of San Jose, “I was glad I was able to finally get the H1N1 vaccine. My son got his vaccine early on, but I didn’t have a chance to get until now because I didn’t have time. It was great that it was offered for free in a convenient location.”
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against H1N1 and the vaccine is safe and effective. Those who have not received their vaccination yet should get it as soon as possible. People with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes are particularly urged to get vaccinated. Many of the hospitalizations have been among those with underlying health conditions.
Free vaccines are also being offered regularly at the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. For more information on H1N1 clinics and locations, please visit www.sccphd.org or call 408.885.3980.
Don’t wait any longer to get the H1N1 vaccine! The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated to protect against getting the H1N1 flu and prevent another outbreak of the disease. Children under 10 need two doses to get the best protection against the H1N1 virus.
If you have not had a H1N1 vaccination, get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the H1N1 vaccine. The Public Health Department is offering free H1N1 flu vaccinations for people who don’t have health insurance or for those whose medical providers do not have the vaccine. The clinic is located at 976 Lenzen Ave., Suite 1500, San Jose, 95126. The clinic is open Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 11:30 am & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis. Retail pharmacies are also offering the H1N1 flu vaccination for a cost. To find a retail provider near you, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.
For more information about the Lenzen clinic, please call 408-885-3980.
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article[100820091] = "100820091^First H1N1 Flu Vaccine in Nasal Form Arrived in Santa Clara County^10/2009^
First H1N1 Flu Vaccine in Nasal Form Arrived in Santa Clara County
As you may have heard, the first doses of H1N1 (swine) flu vaccine arrived in Santa Clara County on Tuesday, October 6, 2009. The initial shipment is just over 14,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine in nasal form (FluMist). The vaccine went to private and public medical providers in the county, as well as to the Public Health Department. By the end of October/early November, more than 200,000 doses of vaccine are expected to be available in Santa Clara County, in both the nasal and shot forms, with more to follow in the coming weeks and months.
This initial shipment is the beginning of a long vaccination effort. Over the next weeks and months, regular shipments of vaccine will arrive in Santa Clara County and it is expected that there will be enough for everyone who wants it.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we undertake this effort,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Health Officer. “This vaccination is the best protection against H1N1, which continues to make many people sick and been related to nine deaths in our county.”
Because the first shipment of the nasal vaccine came in a limited supply, the first group to get this vaccine should be healthy children between the ages of 2 years and 10 years. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and California Department of Public Health recommend this group because they are at a high risk for illness from H1N1. Children under 10 will require a second vaccine 3 to 4 weeks after they get their first vaccine.
Parents should call their pediatrician about how to get the H1N1 nasal vaccine for their children, but only if their children are healthy and between the ages of 2 years and 10 years of age. Since a limited amount of vaccine in nasal form was shipped, some pediatricians might not have it yet.
It is important to remember, the nasal vaccine should not be given to:
Children less than 2 years of age.
Adults 50 years of age and over.
People with a medical condition that places them at high risk for complications from influenza and people with illnesses that weaken their immune system.
Children less than 5 years old with a history of recurrent wheezing.
Children or adolescents receiving aspirin.
People with a history of Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder of the nervous system.
Pregnant women.
People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs or who are allergic to any of the nasal spray vaccine components.
After the Santa Clara County Public Health Department gets their part of the first large shipment, they will hold several vaccination clinics. These clinics will be for people who are uninsuredand at higher risk for illness or complications from H1N1.
The higher risk groups are:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months;
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months to 24 years; and
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications.
More information about these clinics will be available as soon as details on locations and schedules are finalized. Please check back on our website at www.sccphd.org before the end of October for more information about Public Health Department vaccination clinics and locations.
Based on the recommendations from the CDC, once the demand for vaccine for people at highest risk or illness or complications has been met, the Public Health Department and local providers can begin can providing the vaccine to all others who want it.
";
article[42720101] = "42720101^Free Mobile Vaccination Clinics during Cinco de Mayo Festivities^04/2010^
Free Mobile Vaccination Clinics during Cinco de Mayo Festivities
Because H1N1 is still causing illness and Latinos have experienced higher hospitalization rates and mortality rates due to the H1N1 flu, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is encouraging the Latino community to protect against the H1N1 flu virus by getting vaccinated.
The Public Health Department is holding two free vaccination clinics in early May during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Gilroy and San Jose. The first will be held on Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Arteaga’s SuperSave parking lot located at 6906 Chestnut Street in Gilroy. The second is scheduled for Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Discovery Meadow in Guadalupe Park, located at San Carlos Street and Woz Way in San Jose.
The County’s mobile health clinic van will be parked at these two locations and staffed by nurses who will administer the vaccinations. There will be a number of nurses and others on hand who speak Spanish, and there’s no cost for this important vaccination. Everyone who gets vaccinated at these clinics will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an Apple iPod with camera or grocery gift cards from Mi Pueblo Supermarket and Arteaga’s SuperSave. Other gift certificates from Fry’s Electronics, Willow Street Pizza, Sports Basement, Silver Creek Sports Complex, and Sonoma Chicken Coop will also be raffled off thanks to our generous sponsors.
Pregnant women are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that pregnant women accounted for 5 percent of the deaths from H1N1 during the peak outbreak from April through August 2009, but pregnant women make up only 1 percent of the population.
While the number of cases is going down since the fall outbreak, flu activity is ongoing and expected to continue throughout the summer. As of April 13, 1,058 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized due to H1N1 and 20 people have died since May 2009.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against H1N1 and the vaccine is safe and effective. Those who have not received their vaccination yet should get it as soon as possible. People with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes are particularly urged to get vaccinated, since many of the hospitalizations have been among those with underlying health conditions.
Free vaccines are also being offered regularly at the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, located at 976 Lenzen Avenue, Suite 1500, San Jose, 95126. The clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis only and appointments are not necessary. For more information on H1N1 clinics and locations, please visit www.sccphd.org or call 408.885.3980.
";
article[20520101] = "20520101^Get a Good Night’s Sleep!^02/2010^
Some of us made New Year resolutions to get enough sleep and we are making progress. But we all can use a few pointers to help us sleep better and getting a good night’s sleep can depend on a combination of factors. Your sleep drive and your biological clock tell you when to sleep, and when both are working well, you sleep best.
With all the sleep research out there, we still do not understand why we sleep. But we sure know what happens when we don't: disaster. And when we do get great sleep, really good things happen (increased immune system, look better, weight loss, and increased performance).
Here are the five questions (and answers with tips!) to ask to help you get a better night’s sleep.
How can my sleep be better? There are two main aspects to sleep that most of us want to improve: the quantity (the number of minutes of sleep) and the quality (how refreshing is the sleep you get).
The easiest way to increase your quantity of sleep is to give yourself a bedtime. When was the last time you had a bedtime? When you were ten, and someone else made you go to bed? Many people get involved with something (TV, the internet, a good book) and then look up and it is 1 am.
Here is a quick trick: Set your alarm clock for 8 hours before you are supposed to wake up (waking at 7am? Set the alarm for 11pm). This forces you into your room to turn it off and should remind you that it is time for bed. Try to get in bed within the next 30 minutes.
The easiest way to increase the quality of your sleep is to reduce caffeine. Caffeine can have a half-life (the time it stays effective in your system) of between 8 and 10 hours! You don’t have to give it up, but you can try having your highest caffeinated beverage in the morning and then slowly move to less caffeinated beverages throughout the day. By 2:30 p.m. try to be caffeine free.
How can I fall asleep more quickly? There are many things that prevent people from falling asleep but two that are quite common. First, your body is not ready. Sleep is not just an on/off switch it needs time to unwind. Second, your mind is racing. When you get in bed this may be the first opportunity you've have all day to think or focus on things that matter to you! To help fall asleep more quickly:
The easiest way to get your body ready for sleep is a HOT bath about an hour before bed. Make it a bubble bath with lavender aromatherapy (the bubbles keep the water hotter longer and lavender helps with relaxation and sleep.
The easiest way to prevent your mind from racing is to distract yourself. Counting sheep is one quick trick, another is to count backwards from 300 by 3's. It is complicated enough that you cannot think of anything else, and it is so boring, you are out like a light.
Am I doing something to keep myself awake in the middle of the night? There are several things that can wake us up and keep us up at night, both biological and psychological.
One of the easiest things to help you go back to sleep is biological: Do not turn on the lights! Lights makes your brain think that is it morning, and makes it hard to return to sleep. Put a night light in your bedroom, hallway or bathroom. That way you can get to where you are going, without telling your brain it is morning.
Another easy way to help you go back to sleep is psychological: Do not look at the clock. Who really cares how much time you have left to sleep, just go back to sleep. Watching the clock only causes added anxiety about the next day: something we do not need at night. Turn it around and do not look!
Could my bedroom be affecting my sleep? YES! It is critical to have an environment that is conducive to better sleep.
A good way to have a healthy sleep environment: Get the right equipment. Just like exercise, the right equipment will help performance. A great start for the New Year is a new pillow. If you have not bought one in the last year, it is time!
Another way to better your sleep environment: Set the mood. When you walk in to your bedroom, how does it make you feel? Relaxed? Tense?! What could you add, or take away that might help your bedroom be more tranquil. Dim the lights one hour before bed, and never bring your laptop into your bedroom.
What can I do during the day to set myself up for good sleep at night? There are many different activities you do during the day that will affect your sleep at night. The top two: what you consume and your activity level.
You are what you eat and what you eat affects how you sleep. Try to limit meals to three hours before lights out, but do not go to bed hungry. If you must eat late make it a lighter meal, with simple carbohydrates.
Get Moving! Exercise (specifically 20-30 minutes of aerobic) is one of the single best ways to improve the quality of your sleep. Research shows that those who have a regular exercise program get deeper sleep. Try not to exercise less than 2 hours before bed.
Hopefully, these quick fixes can help you out with your Sleep Hygiene. Remember, everything you do, you do better with a good night's rest.
Credit: Based on an article written by Michael J. Breus, PhD, for the Huffington Post.
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article[50720102] = "50720102^Gilroy Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the Third Annual Fruit and Veggie Fest^05/2010^
Gilroy Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the Third Annual Fruit and Veggie Fest
With so many choices at the supermarket, it’s often hard for families to pick the healthiest options. Gilroy’s third annual Fruit and Veggie Fest took place this Saturday as part of its Cinco de Mayo festivities. The festival helped many low-income shoppers learn smart shopping strategies to help them pick healthy foods for their their tables.
The event was part of a statewide effort to empower low-income families to be Champions for Change by make healthy, active living a priority. California is battling an obesity epidemic, with more than half of low-income residents 18 years and above currently overweight or obese. The Fruit and Veggie Fest connects local farmers and neighborhood grocery stores with community members in an effort to raise awareness of the many healthy benefits of fruits and vegetables. Through the Fruit and Veggie Fest, retail and produce industry partners help low-income shoppers learn smart shopping strategies – like choosing delicious and nutritious California-grown produce – that can help them live healthier lives.
The award-winning event has a lively street fair quality with music, dancing, healthy foods, and plenty of vendor booths and resources. This year, approximately 3,000 community members participated. Shoppers took part in food demonstrations, sampled California-grown produce, took store tours, received free H1N1 shots, and participated in physical activity demonstrations, such as yoga and dancing, and other interactive activities. Many shoppers also learned from retailers, farmers, and public health experts how even small steps, like adding more fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks, can lead to big health improvements.
As part of this year’s program, the Network encouraged community members to make or renew their commitments to healthy, active living. Some completed a commitment card to share how they shop smart for a healthy start, and still others shared their commitments on a video documentary that is currently being produced.
The event was also recognized by the Assemblywoman Anna M. Caballero (28th District) and the California State Assembly as a key event toward enhancing the health and well-being of the Gilroy community. In addition, Gilroy Mayor Al Pinheiro and the Gilroy City Council proclaimed their support and commitment to make it easier for individuals and families to enjoy fresh, affordable fruits and vegetables and safe places for physical activity.
The event is organized in part by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s Chronic Disease and Injury Prevention Division as the lead agency for the Network for a Healthy California—Bay Area Region (Network). The Network teamed up with Arteaga’s Super Save Market, the South County Collaborative, Western Growers Association, numerous other community based organizations, as well as the Department’s Emergency Preparedness unit to provide free H1N1 vaccines for South County residents.
The Fruit and Veggie Fest is just one example of how the Network for a Healthy California– Bay Area Region works with small and large retailers, produce industry partners and community-based organizations to improve the health of low-income families. The Network also provides tips, newsletters, recipe cards and other materials to help shoppers make informed decisions about food purchases. For more information, visit the Santa Clara County Public Health Department website at www.sccphd.org.
";
article[112520091] = "112520091^Giving Thanks to Santa Clara County Residents^11/2009^
With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend before us, there is much to be thankful for. The Public Health Department would like to thank the residents of Santa Clara County for their patience and understanding as we work to meet the challenges of a pandemic flu.
We are thankful that we have an H1N1 vaccine. This large-scale vaccination program is a “first” for us and we’ve learned a great deal. With local medical providers, we have been able to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of residents in our community. The protection the vaccine offers means fewer people will become ill and lives will be saved. This is something to be truly thankful for.
We also thank the hundreds of healthcare workers, volunteers and other staff who have given their time, experience and expertise to vaccination efforts. They demonstrate a remarkable commitment to our community.
Vaccination efforts will continue with another free H1N1 clinic at the County Fairgrounds on Tully Road. The public clinic will be Sunday, December 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please remember, if your child is younger than 10 years old and they had their first H1N1 flu vaccine at least three weeks ago, they need to get their second vaccine to be fully protected. Here are the groups of people who can currently get the vaccine:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency services workers
People in these categories who cannot get the vaccine through their healthcare provider should go to the public clinic on December 6th. You can get more information at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine or by calling 408.885.3980.
";
article[102720091] = "102720091^H1N1 Flu - Update October 27, 2009^10/2009^
As of October 21, 2009, Santa Clara County had a total of 329 hospitalizations related to the pandemic H1N1 flu, and a total of 10 deaths.
In the last 24 hours, the Public Health Department has received information about our next shipment of the H1N1 vaccine and is expecting 8,800 dosages of the vaccine. This shipment will be a combination of both the nasal spray and shot forms of the vaccine, and it is likely to arrive by the end of the week.
Because this shipment is very limited, it is important to get this shipment of the vaccine to the children and adults at highest risk for the most serious complications. The Public Health Department will be working with local medical providers to get the vaccine to the following:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months old;
Infants and children from 6 months to 2 years of age; and
Children and adolescents from 2 years old to 18 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu related complications;
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers who provide direct patient care to the list above.
This is a revision of our earlier plans.
Starting November 7th
Because the Public Health Department is expecting additional shipments of the H1N1 vaccine in the next couple of weeks, clinics will be held for the at-risk groups we have outlined earlier.
If you can – please get the H1N1 vaccine from your doctor or regular medical provider. The clinics being held by our public healthcare system will be using their vaccines for high-risk individuals, including those who cannot get their vaccine from their medical provider. To protect as many people in this community as possible, if you can get your vaccine with your own doctor you should do so.
The Public Health Department clinics will be for the following groups,
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years; and,
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications.
The H1N1 vaccine will be free at the Public Health Department clinics.
The vaccine should become more readily available in late November and December. Once the demand for vaccine for people at highest risk has been met, the Public Health Department and local providers can begin providing the vaccine to others. It is important to remember - this is the beginning of a long vaccination effort. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Clinic locations, days, and hours may change based on the vaccine’s availability and public demand. Please check www.sccphd.org/h1n1flu for updates to clinic schedules.
Weekends
Times
Location
Saturday, November 7 Sunday, November 15 Saturday, November 21
9:30am - 3:30pm
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds EXPO HALL 334 Tully Road San José, CA 95111 View Map
Vaccination is still the best protection against H1N1. Since a flu pandemic can last for several months and as long as 2 years, many people will continue to be at risk for illness. Getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available is the best way to protect yourself from H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine provides protection for up to one year after vaccination.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has just received a shipment of 26,000 dosages of the H1N1 vaccine. While the arrival of the vaccine is good news, this still represents a limited supply for Santa Clara County.
Because of the limited supply and the understanding that most medical providers in Santa Clara County have not yet received shipments from the federal government, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department will immediately begin to redistribute vaccine to local medical providers. For the next week, these providers have been instructed to give the vaccine to people who are at highest risk for infection AND serious illness and complications from the H1N1 flu, or care for high risk individuals who cannot receive vaccine:
Pregnant women;
Children 6 months to 2 years of age;
Children and young people 2 to 18 years of age with medical conditions;
People who live with or care for infants under the age of 6 months; and,
Healthcare and emergency service workers who provide care to those listed above.
Starting on November 7th, the department will begin vaccination clinics for the following groups of people:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years;
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications; and,
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers.
The first public clinic for those at highest risk will be held on November 7th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and will stay open during this period as long as supplies last. The clinic will be located at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
Other clinic locations, dates and times will be added when more shipments of vaccine arrive. Continue to check on the Public Health Department’s web site for updates. When more shipments of vaccine begin to flow into the county, the Public Health Department will notify all public and private healthcare providers when they can begin to vaccinate the general public and no longer need to give the vaccine only to high risk groups.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department shares the public’s concern about the overall availability of the H1N1 vaccine but asks healthy adults to wait until vaccine becomes more readily available. Most healthy people who become sick with the H1N1 will recover without needing any medical attention. People in a high risk group are at greater risk for serious illness and death. That is why early vaccination efforts are focused on getting them the protection the vaccine offers.
If someone who is at high risk for illness or complications from the H1N1 flu has flu symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately and begin treatment with antiviral medications. Anyone with severe symptoms of flu should contact their medical provider for advice on what to do. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has provided guidelines to the local medical community recommending immediate treatment with antiviral medications to anyone in a high risk group with flu-like illness. Flu symptoms can come on suddenly, so at the first sign of illness, those at high risk should contact their healthcare provider right away.
H1N1 flu symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and extreme tiredness. Many people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus, especially children, also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Flu antiviral medications are prescription drugs (pills, liquid, or inhaler) that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antiviral medications should be started within two days after becoming sick. When used this way, these medications can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and prevent serious flu complications.
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article[102220091] = "102220091^H1N1 Flu Vaccine - Current Vaccine Status as of 10/22/2009^10/2009^
H1N1 Flu Vaccine - Current Vaccine Status as of 10/22/2009
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has provided an update regarding the production of the H1N1 vaccine.
Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine are being sent, but the amount of vaccine will be less than earlier estimates. This is because there have been difficulties in the vaccine production.
In Santa Clara County, we are anticipating the arrival of periodic shipments of both the nasal spray and shot form of the vaccine. These shipments may begin to arrive as soon as next week. Due to a limited amount of the vaccine arriving initially, it will be given to those at highest risk for illness or complications from the H1N1 flu:
Pregnant women
Infants, children and young adults from 6 months old to 24 years old
People with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease
People with weak immune systems
Additionally, anyone who lives with or cares for infants under 6 months old is eligible to get the vaccine. Healthcare and emergency workers are also eligible to receive the vaccine because of their role in providing care to people who are sick and injured.
The vaccine should become more readily available in late November and December. Once more of the vaccine is available, it will be distributed through public and private health care providers, including vaccination clinics provided by the Public Health Department. Please visit www.sccphd.org for the schedule of Public Health’s H1N1 Vaccination Clinics.
This is the beginning of a long vaccination effort. Over the next months, shipments of vaccine will continue to arrive in Santa Clara County and it is expected that there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants it.
Vaccination is still the best protection against H1N1. Since a flu pandemic can last for several months and as long as 2 years, many people will continue to be at risk for illness. Getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available is the best way to protect yourself from H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine provides protection for up to one year after vaccination.
Please visit this page for frequent updates about vaccine availability.
Today and tomorrow, 85 private and public medical providers in the County will receive just over 10,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Over the next weeks and months, supplies of the H1N1 vaccine will continue to be shipped into Santa Clara County, but for the time being these quantities still represent a limited amount for our community and are below what we need to vaccinate the groups at highest risk of illness and complications.
The list of these providers will not be published. With these 85 providers and the Kaiser system with vaccine, people at higher risk for illness or complications from this flu should contact their medical providers to check if the vaccine is available to them.
“With limited supplies of the H1N1 flu vaccine, it’s important for those of us who are healthy to wait until the vaccine is widely available,” said Ken Yeager, Santa Clara County Supervisor. “Most healthy people who get sick from this virus will recover without any medical care. But people who are at risk for complications could end up hospitalized or worse, so it is very important to get them the vaccine first.”
Due to limited supplies of the H1N1 vaccine, the Public Health Department is recommending the following groups get the vaccine first:
Pregnant women;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
People not in one of these groups are being asked to wait until more H1N1 vaccine is available.
The PHD is holding the first clinic for the groups listed above on November 7th at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Other public clinics with limited supplies of the vaccine are listed on the department’s web site. Once more vaccine arrives to the public healthcare system, additional clinic times and locations will be added to the schedule.
Nearly 9,000 individuals were vaccinated at public H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics held on Saturday, November 7. The largest clinic was held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, where 4,175 vaccinations were provided to pregnant women, children, young adults, and others at risk for illness and serious complications from the H1N1 flu. Public clinics held at three Valley Health Center locations provided 3,800 flu shots to those in the high-risk groups and another 850 vaccinations were provided at three Gardner Family Health sites.
The line was long at the County Fairgrounds as many people arrived well before the 9:30 a.m. start. Vaccinations continued throughout the day, with the last one provided at 5 p.m.
The Public Health Department will be offering another H1N1 vaccination clinic at the County Fairgrounds on Sunday, November 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A large turnout is expected, so people should come prepared to wait. Individuals and families should bring chairs, food, water, and anything else needed to be comfortable in line, including warm clothing and something to occupy your children like books and toys.
Additional clinics sites are planned for Saturday, November 14. For these locations and times, please check the Public Health website at www.sccphd.org.
Due to limited supplies of the vaccine, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
The Public Health Department asks that only those in this high-risk category attend the November 15 clinic. Also, if you are sick, please do not attend. You will not be able to get the vaccine until you are well.
More than 9,100 individuals at risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 influenza virus were vaccinated at public clinics held over the weekend. The largest clinic was on Sunday, November 15, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, where 4,776 people were vaccinated. Smaller clinics were held on Saturday, November 14, at three Valley Health Center locations, where 3,450 vaccinations were provided. Another 900 vaccinations were provided at two Gardner Family Health sites.
Public and private healthcare providers in Santa Clara County received another 89,000 doses of the H1N1 influenza vaccination from manufacturers last week. This does not include the Kaiser system, which receives its vaccine separately. While the H1N1 vaccine is beginning to flow into the county on a more regular basis, supplies are still limited.
Most of the vaccine supplied to Santa Clara County has gone to private healthcare providers, including local hospitals, clinics, private medical groups and practices. If you are in a high-risk group and have not yet received an H1N1 vaccine you should call your provider first to see if they have received the vaccine.
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 21, for those who don’t have access to medical care or can’t get the vaccination from their provider. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Go to www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine for other vaccination clinic locations for this Saturday. Additional clinics will also be scheduled for December and will be posted at www.sccphd.org when dates and times are confirmed.
For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
If you plan to attend the clinic on November 21st, you should come prepared to wait. It’s important to bring the basic necessities like chairs, food, water, warm clothing and other items to occupy time.
The Public Health Department asks that only those in this high-risk category attend the November 21 clinic. Also, if you are sick, please do not attend. You will not be able to get vaccinated until you are well. People in high risk categories with fever and other flu-like symptoms should consult their medical provider or seek medical attention.
Please continue to check our web site in the coming weeks for future clinic dates, times and locations.
More than 6,500 individuals at risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 influenza virus were vaccinated at public clinics held on Saturday, November 21. The largest clinic was held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, where 5,500 people were vaccinated. Another 1,000 vaccinations were provided at two Gardner Family Health sites.
The situation was quite different from past public clinics, where people waited in line for hours. Like the previous public vaccination clinics held at the Fairgrounds, some individuals and families arrived many hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. But this time, people who had lined up early were vaccinated by 12 noon and lines were short after that. People continued to arrive in a steady stream until 3:30 p.m. when the clinic closed.
According to the state, 277,330 doses of the vaccine have been supplied to public and private healthcare providers in Santa Clara County to date, including the Kaiser system. While the amount so far is still not enough to vaccinate all those at risk for illness or serious complications, more vaccine continues to arrived into our the County.
The public vaccination clinics held over the last 3 weekends distributed just under 27,000 doses to people in one of the high-risk groups. That means the vast majority of the supply has gone to healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and private medical groups and practices in Santa Clara County. It’s important for those at high risk who want the vaccine to first contact their medical provider.
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 6, for people in a high-risk group who don’t have access to medical care or can’t get the vaccination from their provider. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children under the age of 10 who received the H1N1 flu vaccine at the first public vaccination clinic held on November 7 need to get their booster vaccination. Parents should contact their medical providers first to see if they have the vaccine and schedule an appointment. If your medical provider does not have the vaccine yet, you should return with your child to the public vaccination clinic on Sunday, December 6, to get the second vaccination, which is needed to be fully protected from the H1N1 flu. Depending on vaccine supplies, additional clinics are likely to be scheduled for December. Information will be posted at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine when dates and times are confirmed.
While lines were relatively short at the recent clinic, those who plan to attend the December 6 clinic should still come prepared to wait. Bring what you need to be comfortable like chairs, food and water, as well as something to occupy your children like games, books and toys. Before you leave home, check the weather forecast so you know what to wear and whether you need to be prepared for rain. If you have a fever or are sick, please do not go to a public vaccination clinic. People who are sick will not be given the H1N1 vaccine.
If you are in a group at high risk for complications, you should call your medical provider first to see if you can get the vaccine from them. For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
Eventually, there will be enough vaccine available in our County so that everyone who wants the H1N1 vaccination will be able to get it.
As of October 28th, 435 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized with serious complications related to the H1N1 influenza virus and 13 have died since May. In California, there have been 4,047 hospitalizations and 249 deaths.
Hospitalizations and death are expected during a flu pandemic since people have no or little immunity to this new flu virus. The number of hospitalizations and deaths in our community will continue to increase throughout the fall and winter months. While the virus continues to spread, it is important to remember that most people who have been sick with the H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment. For those at high risk for serious complications from the H1N1 flu and who are still waiting to be vaccinated, early treatment with antiviral medications is the best way to avoid severe illness from the flu.
The H1N1 vaccine will provide the best protection from the H1N1 flu. Four public vaccination clinics for those at high risk and those who care for high risk individuals are now scheduled on November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those at high risk for complications can attend these clinics, and those groups are:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years;
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications; and,
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers.
Because the vaccine supply is so limited at this time, it is important that persons not belonging to one of the five groups above wait to be vaccinated so that those at highest risk of severe illness can get the vaccine.
The Saturday locations are:
Santa Clara County Fairground Expo Hall 334 Tully Road San Jose, CA 95111
Valley Health Center Gilroy 7475 Camino Arroyo Gilroy, CA 95128
Valley Health Center Moorpark 2400 Moorpark Avenue San Jose, CA 95128
Valley Health Center Sunnyvale 660 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086
If a person who is at high risk and hasn’t yet been able to get the vaccine gets sick with the H1N1 flu, antiviral medications can help stop the virus before severe illness occurs. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly, so at the first sign of illness, those at high risk should contact their healthcare provider.
H1N1 flu symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and extreme tiredness. Many people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Flu antiviral medications are prescription drugs (pills, liquid, or inhaler) that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antiviral medications should be started within two days after becoming sick. When used this way, these medications can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and prevent serious flu complications.
While the vaccine is the best way to avoid getting sick with the flu, you can also reduce your chances of getting sick by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizers; keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth; staying away from sick people; and regularly cleaning surfaces around your home and work area.
The H1N1 virus is spread when droplets are coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person and someone nearby breathes them in. The virus can also spread when a person touches a surface like a door handle or table top where these droplets have landed and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
For more information about the H1N1 flu and vaccination clinics offered by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, visit www.sccphd.org.
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Tully Road in San Jose on Sunday, December 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
The clinic is for those people in one of the 5 groups listed below who don’t have access to medical services or can’t get the vaccine from their healthcare provider. If you are in a group at high risk for complications, you should call your medical provider first to see if you can get the vaccine from them. For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
Please Note: Children younger than 10 years old who received their first H1N1 flu vaccination at least three weeks ago now need to get their second booster vaccination to have the best chance of being protected from the H1N1 flu virus. Children returning to the public clinic for their second vaccination need to bring the blue card they were given when they received their first vaccination.
While lines were relatively short at the recent clinic, those who plan to attend the December 6 clinic should still come prepared to wait. Bring what you need to be comfortable like chairs, food and water, as well as something to occupy your children like games, books and toys. Before you leave home, check the weather forecast so you know what to wear and whether you need to be prepared for rain. If you have a fever or are sick, please do not go to a public vaccination clinic. People who are sick will not be given the H1N1 vaccine.
Depending on vaccine supplies, additional clinics are likely to be scheduled for December. Information will be posted at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine when dates and times are confirmed.
Eventually, there will be enough vaccine available in our County so that everyone who wants the H1N1 vaccination will be able to get it.
We are holding the last free H1N1 flu vaccination clinic of the year at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, located on Tully Road in San Jose, on Saturday, December 12. The clinic is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The weather on Saturday is expected to be cold and rainy. We are concerned about people being out in the cold for long periods of time so people will not be allowed to form a line until 7 a.m. and the parking lot will also be closed until 7 a.m.
If your child is younger than 10 and received an H1N1 flu vaccination at least three weeks ago, it’s time for the second vaccination. Children under 10 need a second booster vaccination to get the best protection from the H1N1 flu virus. If you are returning to the free clinic for the second vaccination, please bring the blue card you were given when your child received the first vaccination.
While the lines have been relatively short at the last two clinics, you should still come prepared to wait. Dress appropriately with warm clothing and rain gear. Bring what you need to be comfortable like chairs, food and water, as well as something to occupy your children like games, books and toys.
Public and private healthcare providers are continuing to receive more vaccine, so you should first contact your provider to see if they have received a supply. The free clinic on December 12 is for those who don’t have access to healthcare services and those who don’t have a regular medical provider, or their provider does not have the vaccine.
For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
If you have a fever or are sick, please do not go to the free vaccination clinic. People who are sick will not be given the H1N1 vaccine.
Depending on vaccine supplies, additional clinics may be scheduled in January. Information will be posted at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine when dates and times are confirmed.
Eventually, there will be enough vaccine available in our County so that everyone who wants the H1N1 vaccination will be able to get it.
As we prepare for the fall, we wanted to take a moment to provide you updated information about the pandemic H1N1 flu virus. As you may know, the H1N1 flu virus has continued to circulate widely throughout our community. There has been an increase in flu activity reported over the summer months, which is unusual for this time of year. Since the Public Health Department is now only testing the sickest of patients who have been hospitalized, the number of pandemic H1N1 cases being reported most certainly underestimates the total number of cases in our community.
The median age of people with H1N1 continues to be about 17 years of age, with the largest number of confirmed and probable cases in people between the ages of 5 and 24 years of age. At this time, there is very little illness reported in people older than 64 years of age. Both of these facts are different in comparison with those usually sick with seasonal flu.
So far, most of the people who have gotten sick with pandemic H1N1 have recovered without any special medical attention, and most of them have been taken care of at home. But like any flu, there are groups of people who are at higher risk for serious disease or death. The people most at-risk are those with health problems including respiratory disease, asthma, heart disease, and people with weakened immune systems. Pregnant women and children under the age of 2 years are also at a higher risk for more serious illness.
Since this is a new flu virus for which the population has little or no immunity, health officials remain concerned that, as this flu virus continues to pass through populations, it could mutate (change) or become resistant to anti-viral medications. If these things happen, it could cause more severe illness and deaths. Even if this does not happen, it is likely that large numbers of people will get sick this fall, potentially overwhelming community resources.
Because the pandemic H1N1 is striking our school-age population, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is working with all school districts to launch a H1N1 education campaign. Because high school students get information in different ways, and often independently from their parents, this campaign will focus on them. While school communities are one focus of educational efforts, other information and tools will be made available for the parents of all school-age children and the Santa Clara County community at-large. Look for more about these activities in future e-newsletters, and soon on our web site.
A little about the H1N1 vaccine. The federal government is working with vaccine manufacturers to produce a safe vaccine against H1N1. Assuming the tests for this new vaccine go well, there should be sufficient vaccine for the entire population. The initial supplies of the vaccine will be limited, so it will be important to get the vaccine first to those who are at highest risk for illness.
The vaccine will be available through medical providers, as well as through some public clinics. The Public Health Department will be providing guidelines for our community so that the vaccine is used to protect the people most at-risk for serious illness, limit the further spread of the disease, and to keep our community functioning. Watch for more information about this in the near future as well.
It is important for all of us to do all that we can to protect our own health. Since this is a new flu virus for which we have no or little immunity, it is also important to prepare for what may happen this fall. We all have a role in responding to this potential health emergency. We will provide additional information as it becomes available, but right now you can go to the www.sccphd.org or visit the www.cdc.gov for more information on what you can do now to prepare and protect you and your family.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department launched its H1N1 Student Awareness Campaign. The Public Health Department is working with high schools in Santa Clara County to promote H1N1 awareness and preventive measures on school campuses. These efforts are being made to encourage students to use good health habits and stay home when sick.
As part of the campaign, Public Health is sponsoring a student H1N1 YouTube Video contest. Students can create their own 30 or 60 second H1N1 flu prevention videos and win cool prizes. Students videos should be submitted in one the following categories: Best Overall Video, Best Short Video, Funniest Video, and Best Foreign Language Video. Prizes will also be awarded to the Most Viewed Video. Official contest rules and entry form can be found on our website at www.sccphd.org under the H1N1 Student Awareness Campaign YouTube Contest page.
To keep students and the public informed and connected, the Public Health Department has also set up a page on Facebook and MySpace page, as well as a YouTube Channel.
The first 1,000 fans on our Facebook page who respond to our t-shirt instructions will be able to get a free t-shirt. Mall Ads and Theatre ads will also be running in Santa Clara County with H1N1 prevention messages. By working together and raising awareness, we can help to limit the spread of the pandemic H1N1 flu in our community.
Follow us on:
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article[112020091] = "112020091^H1N1 Vaccine Distribution and Availability^11/2009^
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department understands the frustration that many residents of our community have about the limited availability of the H1N1 vaccine, nationwide and locally.
The plan for distributing the H1N1 vaccine in Santa Clara County had always been for residents to go to their own medical providers. While more H1N1 influenza vaccine is coming into Santa Clara County, the amount delivered to date is still not enough to vaccinate those at high risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 flu virus. According to the state, 241,000 doses of the vaccine have been supplied to public and private healthcare providers in the County, including the Kaiser system.
The amount received so far means about 30 percent of those at highest risk for illness and serious complications can be vaccinated. Estimates show that of the 1.8 million residents in Santa Clara County, 800,000 are in the high-risk categories.
The public vaccination clinics held over the last two weekends distributed just under 20,000 doses. That means the vast majority of the supply has gone to local healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and private medical groups and practices. It’s important for those at high risk who want the vaccine to first contact their medical provider; it is the most efficient way to get the H1N1 vaccine.
Until you can get the vaccine, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk for serious illness from the H1N1 flu, including:
Conduct a health check every day. If you or your child begins to show flu-like symptoms, stay home from school or work and monitor the illness. H1N1 flu symptoms can come on quickly and usually include fever (over 100 ºF), cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and extreme tiredness. Many people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus have also reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Get plenty of rest and make sure to drink lots of water and other clear liquids. You can treat fevers and aches with over-the-counter flu medicines. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Stay home until you no longer have a fever for at least 24 hours – without taking any fever-reducing medications. Most healthy people who get sick with H1N1 will recover without medical treatment.
If you are in one of the following groups, you should contact your medical provider at the first signs of flu-like illness and talk to them about getting antiviral medications:
Pregnant women and mothers with infants less than 2 weeks old
Children younger than 2 years old
People with chronic medical conditions or weakened immune systems
People younger than 19 years old and on long-term aspirin therapy
People over 65 years of age
Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizers; keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth; stay away from sick people; and keep surfaces clean around your home and work area.
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 21, for those in one of the high-risk groups, and who don’t have access to medical care or can’t get the vaccine from their provider. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Additional clinics will be scheduled in December.
If you plan to attend the November 21 clinic, you should come prepared to wait. Bring what you need to be comfortable, like chairs, food, water, and something to keep children entertained like games, books and toys. Before you leave home, check the weather forecast so you know what to wear and whether you need to be prepared for rain. Also, if you are sick, please do not attend. You will not be able to get the vaccine until you are well.
Most healthy people who get sick with the H1N1 flu virus will recover without medical treatment. However, there have been hospitalizations and deaths due to this virus. As of November 18, 666 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized for serious complications related to the H1N1 influenza virus and 12 have died since May 1. That is an increase of 33 hospitalizations and zero deaths over the previous week.
For more information about the H1N1 flu and upcoming vaccination clinics, please visit www.sccphd.org.
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article[11420101] = "11420101^It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate!^01/2010^
Don’t wait any longer to get the H1N1 vaccine! The H1N1 flu may be leveling off, but it isn’t going away. People are still getting sick, and while the number hospitalized people is down, serious illness and even deaths are still happening in Santa Clara County.
More people are sick with the flu than normal for this time of year. As part of the National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department wants you to get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus. By protecting yourself, you can help prevent another outbreak of the disease.
There is a free H1N1 vaccination clinic this Saturday, January 16, at the County Fairgrounds on Tully Road. The clinic is for:
Children who need their second dose
County residents who don’t have health insurance
County residents who cannot get the vaccine from their healthcare provider
The clinic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children under 10 need two doses to get the best protection against the H1N1 virus. Children returning to the clinic for their second vaccination need to bring the blue card they were given when they received their first vaccination.
If you have not received your H1N1 vaccination – get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have received the H1N1 vaccine, and if not come to the free clinic.
For a cost, retail pharmacies also have the H1N1 flu vaccination. To find a retail provider near you, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against the H1N1 flu virus. Now is a good time to get vaccinated because the H1N1 vaccine is more widely available, so don’t wait – vaccinate!
";
article[120420092] = "120420092^Kids Speak Up About H1N1 Flu^12/2009^
Check out our latest H1N1 YouTube Video, Kids Speak Up About H1N1 Flu. The video was taken at the Fairgrounds during one our free vaccination clinics for high risk individuals. These kids know what they need to do to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu germs in our community and stay healthy.
The video is also being used to promote our H1N1 YouTube Video Contest. The YouTube contest is open to any County resident 14 years of age or higher. The goal is to get the message out about how to limit the spread of pandemic H1N1 flu. If you’re looking for something fun to do over the holiday break with family and friends, create either a 30- or 60-second video that will inform and motivate your family, friends, co-workers or classmates to take common sense actions to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu. Think about it as a “modern” or “up-to-date” Public Service Announcement (PSA). Video categories include: Best Overall Video, Best Short Video, Funniest Video, Best Foreign Language Video, and Most Viewed Video. Videos can be submitted by individuals or in teams of up to five (5) people. Prizes include an iPod Nano with Video Camera for the Best Overall Video and other cool gift certificate prize packages for winners in other categories. Go to our website for full list of prizes at www.sccphd.org.
Send us your completed registration form and YouTube Video link before the deadline on midnight on December 31st by emailing us at Healthwatch@hhs.sccgov.org.
Have fun and good luck!
";
article[112020092] = "112020092^Mother is Grateful for H1N1 Vaccine^11/2009^
Watch the YouTube story of Molly Carbajal, mother of 3, who is grateful that she was able to get the H1N1 Flu Vaccine for her medically fragile daughter through the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s California Children Services (CCS) program, or read her story below.
When I first learned of the H1N1 virus, I had the same fears as everyone else. I wanted to protect myself and my family from getting the H1N1 flu. I am the mother of three young children under the age of 7, including a 4-year-old who is medically fragile. I worried about the complications she might experience if she got sick with the H1N1 flu. I had read that children with neurodevelopmental delays are at high risk for serious complications from the virus, and maybe even death.
I am grateful that on October 30th, I was able to get my daughter vaccinated through a special clinic hosted by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s California Children Services (CCS) program. The clinic was for CCS clients, most of whom are medically fragile children like my daughter. The clinic was also open to household members in high-risk groups, so my other girls were also vaccinated.
I am thankful that the many people who are not at high risk are waiting to get their vaccines. I truly appreciate that these members of our community understand how important it is for those at risk, including pregnant women, children, and people with medical conditions, get this vaccine first. I understand how difficult it is to wait. Their patience and ability to put the most vulnerable among us first makes me proud to be part of this community.
Eventually, there will be enough H1N1 vaccine so that everyone who wants it can get it. But for now, we should continue to protect those who most need the protection the vaccine offers, because for them it truly is a medical necessity- Molly Carbajal, Mother of 3 girls.
";
article[81420094] = "81420094^Parents Should Talk to Their Teen About Driving Safety this Summer^08/2009^
Parents Should Talk to Their Teen About Driving Safety this Summer
On Tuesday, July 21st, Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Health Officer for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department issued a media release to get the word out about this important topic. The goal was to let parents know that more teens experiment for the first time with marijuana, smoking and alcohol during the summer months, so now is the time to talk with them about these potentially risky behaviors. Furthermore, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that car crashes are one of the leading causes of death and disability among teenagers with alcohol being the primary contributing factor in 35% of teen driving fatalities.
Research has consistently found that parents have the greatest influence over teenagers' attitudes and behaviors. The number one reason teens refuse to drink alcohol is they worry about what their parents will think. That is why it is critically important for parents to exercise their positive influence to help teens make responsible decisions regarding alcohol.
\"It's important for parents to create an atmosphere of open communication with their teens, especially during the summer months when they have more free time,\" said Marty Fenstersheib, Traffic Safe Communities Network Co-Chair and Santa Clara County Health Officer. \"Along with setting firm rules and guidelines, parents can teach teens critical decision-making skills to help them make responsible choices -- including not drinking when underage. Parents need to let teens know that rules are made to protect them, not punish them, and remind them to make their own decisions based on what they know is right.\"
To help parents prevent their teen from engaging in underage drinking and other risky behaviors, the Alcohol & Impaired Driving Work Group of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department's Traffic Safe Communities Network (TSCN) -- a collaborative funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Administration and Caltrans -- developed the \"Underage Drinking and Driving: A Parent and Teen Guide.\"
The guide provides useful information on the legal consequences for parents and teens, binge drinking, suggestions for teens, tips for parents and resources. The following are important facts highlighted in the guide that every parent should know:
Scientific evidence suggests that even modest alcohol consumption in late childhood and adolescence can result in permanent brain damage.
Seventy-six percent of 11th grade students in Santa Clara County high schools feel that it is fairly easy or very easy to obtain alcohol.
Fifty-six percent of 11th grade students in Santa Clara County high schools have had at least one drink of alcohol in their lifetime. Of these students, thirty-six percent reported that they had been drunk or sick after drinking alcohol.
Twenty-five percent of 11th grade students in Santa Clara County high schools have driven while drunk or ridden with a driver who had been drinking.
More DUI-related crashes occur between 1:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m., especially on the weekends, than any other hour of the day.
California has a zero tolerance law. The legal maximum Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) is 0.01% for drivers under 21. In reality, \"Zero Tolerance\" means teens cannot drink any alcohol. In fact, less than one-half of a beer would put most teens over the legal limit.
The Parent and Teen guide is available in English, Spanish and Vietnamese and can be downloaded at www.sccphd.org/traffic.
Traffic Safe Communities Network is a community collaborative guided by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, and funded by grants from the California Office of Traffic Safety, Caltrans and others. Since 1997, the Traffic Safe Communities Network collaborative has generated innovative projects that have contributed to the countywide reduction in motor vehicle crashes and improvement in bicycle and pedestrian safety. For more information about TSCN and current projects, visit www.sccphd.org/traffic or call Janie Burkhart, TSCN Program Manager, at (408) 793-2730.
";
article[11220101] = "11220101^Public Health Department Celebrates National Influenza Vaccination Week by Encouraging Residents to Get Vaccinated^01/2010^
Public Health Department Celebrates National Influenza Vaccination Week by Encouraging Residents to Get Vaccinated
It’s Still Important to Protect Yourself From the H1N1 Flu Virus
San Jose, California –The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is celebrating National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10-16) by encouraging county residents to get vaccinated against pandemic H1N1 influenza. Pandemic H1N1 flu still poses a serious health risk and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against the H1N1 flu virus.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual observance to highlight the importance of flu vaccinations after the holiday season into January and beyond. Raising awareness about getting vaccinated right now is more important than ever because most county residents still have not received their H1N1 vaccination. Supplies of the H1N1 vaccine were limited in the fall, when most people typically consider getting vaccinated. Now is a good time to get vaccinated because the H1N1 vaccine is more widely available and the H1N1 virus is still causing serious illness in Santa Clara County.
Up until last week, the H1N1 vaccine had been directed only for those at high risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 flu virus. Now it is available to the general public and anyone who hasn’t received their H1N1 flu vaccination should contact their provider to get it. Retail pharmacies are also offering the H1N1 vaccine.
The Public Health Department is using this opportunity to raise awareness about the need to get vaccinated against the pandemic H1N1 flu at a time when demand for the vaccine may drop significantly. While no one can predict whether there will be a third wave of H1N1 flu as has been experienced with other flu pandemics, we do know if more people are vaccinated, the disease is less likely to spread in the coming months.
Every year, certain days during National Influenza Vaccination Week are designated to highlight the importance for different groups to get vaccinated. This year’s national schedule includes a special focus on: healthcare workers, people with chronic conditions, children, pregnant women, young adults, and seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released 30 and 60-second public service announcements urging people to get vaccinated. To view the PSA, visit www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/INever/.
If you have not received your vaccination yet, you should get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have received the H1N1 vaccine. To find a retail provider near you, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box at www.sccphd.org
If you don’t have health insurance, check the Public Health Department’s website at www.sccphd.org for information about how to get the H1N1 vaccine.
In order to support the good health and well-being of the community we serve, the County of Santa Clara has updated its No-Smoking Policy and created smoke-free environments at all County owned and leased facilities. The updated policy further restricts smoking at all County facilities, as well as increases the surrounding smoke-free zones in all County owned and operated facilities.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has taken the lead in helping Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System departments smoothly transition into smoke-free zones by informing patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and employees. You can do your part by spreading the word. Smoking is not allowed on the Santa Clara Valley Medical Center campus, Valley Health Centers, and all existing and future County owned and operated health facilities and clinics where patient care is provided. The no-smoking zone extends to all property lines, and applies to buildings and outside areas.
In addition, smoking is not permitted within 30 feet surrounding County-owned, non-health facility buildings, and leased buildings where the County is the sole occupant. This includes facilities owned, leased and/or operated by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department (SCCPHD), Mental Health Department (MHD), and Department of Alcohol and Drugs (DADs). The No-Smoking Policy applies to all patients, clients, visitors, contractors, and employees alike. If staff members see a smoker, they may approach the smoker to inform him or her of the No-Smoking policy and politely ask them to put their cigarette out.
Need help to stop smoking? The Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s Tobacco Prevention & Education Program (TPEP) offers free consultation over the phone, self-help materials and referral services. Call TPEP at 408.793.2740 or the California Smoker’s Helpline at 1.800.No.Butts or 1.800.662.8887.
For more information, please visit our website at www.sccphd.org.
";
article[21820101] = "21820101^Santa Clara County Ranks Fourth in State Health^02/2010^
If you haven’t heard the news, our County ranked as the fourth healtiest place to live in California. Santa Clara County also ranked first when compared to large counties such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Findings from the County Health Rankings report were published in today’s Mercury News’s article, Best, worst California counties for healthy living ranked in study. The report was released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation earlier this week and is the first such report to rank the overall health of the counties in all 50 states – more than 3,000 total – by using a standard formula to measure how healthy people are and how long they live.
It is projected that a total of 114 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine will be available in the US this influenza season. As of October 2, 2009, about 82 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine have been distributed. This is approximately 72% of the total. More seasonal flu vaccine will become available in the coming weeks.
In Santa Clara County, we are currently experiencing a shortage of the seasonal flu vaccine. This shortage is temporary and a result for increased public demand for the vaccine and a slow down in the manufacturing process because some of the same manufacturers are also producing the H1N1 vaccine. The pandemic H1N1 influenza strain is the predominant virus that is currently circulating in the community, and not the seasonal flu virus. Santa Clara County Health Officer, Marty Fenstersheib, MD, would like to reassure county residents that the delay in receiving seasonal flu vaccine should not have a significant impact on the health of our community. We recommend that you contact your medical provider or commercial pharmacies in your area to check on the availability of the vaccine.
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Seasonal flu is as much of a concern as it has always been and, once more of the vaccine is available, a regular flu shot will protect you and your family from the body aches, cough and misery of seasonal flu. But remember that the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 virus.
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting seasonal flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that certain people get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious complications from the flu or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
Here’s who should get the seasonal flu vaccine each year:
Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday;
Pregnant women;
People 50 years of age and older;
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities ;
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
Health care workers;
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu;
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).
And please remember, “ordinary” flu should not to be taken lightly. Each year in the United States, about 200,000 people are hospitalized with severe flu symptoms, and 36,000 die.
It’s a win-win story. Students from area colleges and high schools took on the challenge of creating H1N1 YouTube videos to help educate all of us about the H1N1 flu and ways to protect ourselves. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department launched the student video contest as part of an effort to reach young adults and teens through social media. The winners were rewarded with some very cool prizes which were donated by local businesses and companies.
Mission College students Gladys Balajadia, Evangeline Obispo, Lucia Martinez Alvarez, and Reina Batto, won in the Best Overall Video category. Their “H1N1 vs. Superheroes” video features a college student who is “saved” from the H1N1 flu virus by superheroes who “fight” the virus. The student falsely believes she is not at risk for H1N1, but the superheroes set her straight, encouraging her to get vaccinated and offering tips for preventing the spread of H1N1.
These students found out about the contest through their Health Promotion LNV to RN class at Mission College. As part of their class work, they were assigned to make a health promotion video and decided to enter their H1N1 video to the contest as well. As Lucia Alvarez explained, “our team really felt it was important to get the prevention message out to our fellow students and the community about the real threat that the H1N1 flu poses, especially among students.” Each member of this team was awarded an iPod Nano with camera, passes to Planet Granite rock climbing and gift certificates for Fry’s Electronics, Willow Street Pizza, Sports Basement, and Psycho Donuts. “We did not expect that we would win or win such cool prizes. We absolutely love them and appreciate the generosity,” said Obispo.
San Jose State University Health Science student, Pengxiao Wei, won in the Best Foreign Language category for her “H1N1 Awareness” video in Chinese. The video uses graphic images of people wearing masks as well as cartoon drawings. Wei found out about the contest through a presentation given by a Santa Clara County Public Health staff member in her Health Communicatons and Technologies class. Her professor, Frank Strona, encouraged students to create videos for extra credit and to enter the contest. Wei reflected on the experience, “The extra work really paid off. I got an A in the class, won some great prizes, but most importantly, I’m helping my community get the health information they need in their own language.” Wei was awarded gift certificates to Fry’s Electronics, Sports Basement, Sonoma Chicken Coop, and Psycho Donuts, as well as free passes to Strike Bowling.
Oak Grove High School Juniors Jonathan Gubler and Anthony Vibanco won in the Best Short Video category for their “H1N1 Virus PSA” video, which provides some quick facts about preventing H1N1. Both Gubler and Vibanco took a video production class offered at Oak Groove last semester where they learned how to apply technical skills in video production. Their teacher, Mr. Smith, announced the contest and the juniors decided to put their skills to the test.
They worked with other students in the nursing program to get the health info and then got to work writing a script. Gubler explained, “Once we educated ourselves, we knew that we had to do our part to let other students know that it’s important to wash hands, stay healthy and take the flu seriously. It has the potential to make you really sick and even kill people.” The guys were thrilled with their gift certificates for Sky High Sports, Silvercreek Sportsplex Skating, Fry’s Electronics, Sports Basement, Togos, and Psycho Donuts. They were equally proud that they got to play a vital role in H1N1 prevention efforts. As Vibanco put it, “The bottom line is, it’s not over yet and it’s important to still get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu to protect ourselves and everyone around us because it could affect anyone one of us.”
If you still have not received your H1N1 vaccination, it’s not too late. While the number of cases is declining, the H1N1 flu virus is still causing hospitalizations and deaths in Santa Clara County. To learn more about H1N1 and where to get a vaccination, visit www.sccphd.org/h1n1flu
";
article[10620101] = "10620101^The Santa Clara County Public Health Department Wishes You a Healthy New Year^01/2010^
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department Wishes You a Healthy New Year
Stay healthy this new year and protect yourself against the H1N1 flu by getting vaccinated. The H1N1 vaccine provides the best protection against the H1N1 flu virus.
In 2009, only people in one of the risk groups were eligible for vaccinations. That changed on January 4, and now everyone is eligible.
While hospitalizations due to H1N1 have dropped off, the virus is still causing serious illness. It’s important to remember flu pandemics are unpredictable and there could be another resurgence of the disease. So it’s still important to get vaccinated – you can protect yourself and help prevent another outbreak of the disease.
If you have not yet received your vaccination, you should get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the vaccine. If they do not, retail pharmacies are offering the vaccine. Pharmacies are getting the vaccine directly from the federal government this month. To find a pharmacy, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box on the Public Health Department’s website www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.
For people who don’t have health insurance, the Public Health Department is offering H1N1 flu vaccinations by appointment only. For information about dates and times, and to make an appointment, please call 408-885-3980.
Here are some other tips to stay healthy in 2010:
Keep your distance from people who are sick.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Carry hand sanitizers or wipes with you when you are on the go.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
It’s also important to take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and eat nutritious foods. Exercise regularly and try to keep stress under control.
You can also help reduce the spread of disease by staying home when you are sick. Cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue (and immediately throw the tissue away) or cough into the crook of your arm. While you are sick, avoid contact with family members and others who live in your household. And stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without taking fever-reducing medications.
By following these few simple tips, we all can stay healthier in 2010!
";
article[111320091] = "111320091^Vaccination Clinics: Be Prepared to Wait^11/2009^
People planning to attend one of the H1N1 public vaccination clinics should come prepared to wait. Due to a high demand for the vaccine, public clinics across the Bay Area have had long lines.
Bring what you need to be comfortable while waiting. The lines for these clinics are outdoors, so check the weather forecast to see what to wear and whether it may rain.
Since you may be waiting for hours, think about bringing:
Food
Water
Chairs
If you will have children with you, bring something to occupy their time like:
Games
Toys
Books
Puzzles
For families with small children, bring a stroller and blankets so little ones can sleep while you wait.
If you or your child is sick, please do not come to the vaccination clinics. You will not be able to get the vaccine until you are well. More vaccine is being shipped into our community, so check with your medical provider to see if they have vaccine. If not, check the Public Health Department web site for an updated schedule.
Just a reminder, public vaccine clinics are for the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Welcome to the first edition of the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s e-newsletter. As you probably know, the Public Health Department is dedicated to the overall health and well-being of our community.
Our work includes promoting good health, preventing chronic conditions and injuries, and protecting the health of this community by tracking and responding to disease outbreaks and other public health emergencies. Whenever possible, we employ strategies, policies and interventions to reduce health disparities. Always, we are focused on our community.
I hope you will find the information in this e-newsletter valuable. If you would like to receive these in the future, please go to www.sccphd.org and subscribe. As you will see, we will be including information about the pandemic H1N1 flu virus so that you can stay informed about this potential threat to the public's health.
Thank you for taking the time to look this over and please, forward it to anyone you think would be interested.
Sincerely, Dan Peddycord Public Health Department Administrator Santa Clara County
";
article[72320101] = "72320101^Whooping Cough on the Rise in California and Santa Clara County^07/2010^
Whooping Cough on the Rise in California and Santa Clara County
There is an epidemic of Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, in California. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing fits that make it difficult to breathe. Each year hundreds of babies are hospitalized for whooping cough and some die. But you can help to protect yourself and the babies you love from this disease.
Did you know that infants who are not fully immunized are at risk for getting whooping cough? In California, six infants have died from whooping cough this year.
In Santa Clara County, there have been 87 reported cases from January 1, 2010, to July 22, 2010. In 2009, our county had a total of 25 cases reported during the entire year.
California, including Santa Clara County, is likely to see the worst year of whooping cough in more than 50 years. Whooping cough is spread easily from person to person. At first it may seem like an ordinary cold but can become more serious, especially in infants. Your protection from whooping cough, either from getting the vaccine or from having the illness, can fade with time. It is important that anyone who comes into contact with infants less than 1 year of age get vaccinated. Almost half of the infants infected with whooping cough get it from their parents and family members.
To protect our community, we all need to take the simple step of getting vaccinated. Santa Clara County Public Health Department is encouraging vaccination of young children, including any parent, family member and caregiver of infants under 1 year of age.
The California Department of Public Health recommends booster shots against whooping cough for:
Anyone 7 years and older who is not fully immunized
Women of childbearing age, before, during, or immediately after pregnancy
People who have contact with pregnant women or infants less than one year of age
Also, preteens going to the doctor for their regular checkup at age 11 or 12 years should get a whooping cough booster shot.
For more information on whooping cough, symptoms and vaccination clinics, please visit our website at www.sccphd.org/whoopingcough or call the Public Health Information Line at: 408.885.3980.
";
article[11120101] = "11120101^Why H1N1 Flu is Still a Concern^01/2010^
As we move into 2010, you may be wondering if the H1N1 flu is still a concern. You probably know that pandemic flu viruses can be unpredictable and have the ability to make otherwise healthy people sick. Keep reading to find out why you shouldn’t write off the H1N1 flu virus too soon.
Flu activity is still high
The flu may be leveling off, but it isn’t going away. While the number of cases is going down, serious illness and even deaths are still happening. Certain groups, including pregnant women and infants, remain at high risk for serious complications from H1N1 flu. In California, we are still seeing more people sick with the flu than we would normally see at this time of year.
H1N1 is the dominant flu strain
Laboratory testing shows that H1N1 is the main flu virus making people sick around the state. The H1N1 virus has not changed very much, which is good news. That means the H1N1 vaccine is still the best protection against this flu.
Most people are still at risk of getting sick
The California Department of Public Health estimates that 4.3 million Californians have already been infected with H1N1. As of December 22, 2009, 12 million doses of vaccine had been shipped to health care providers in California. That is more than half of what the State is expecting to get. But California’s population is over 36 million people, which means that most Californians have not gotten sick or received the vaccine and are still at risk for getting the H1N1 flu. Public Health officials want Californians to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene to protect themselves from the flu.
Riding the pandemic waves
Historically, illnesses caused by pandemic influenza viruses have come in waves. The first wave of illness was in the spring and early summer of 2009. The second wave is declining now. We know it is impossible to predict if or when there will be a third wave. We also know that it is very unlikely that H1N1 will disappear completely.
This slowdown in flu activity and additional shipments of the vaccine means there is an incredible window of opportunity to get vaccinated. Getting a vaccine now will help protect you, prevent the spread of flu to others who are at risk for complications and help reduce the severity of a third wave.
The bottom line
H1N1 Flu cases are dropping off, and more vaccine is arriving. H1N1 is still causing serious illness and even deaths. We don’t know what will happen in the next few months. H1N1 is still a concern, but we all have the ability to do something about it now. Public Health officials believe it is still extremely important to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to you and to practice good hygiene and other healthy habits, which include:
Staying home and away from others if you are sick until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicine.
Washing your hands often with soap and warm water.
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Staying away from people who are coughing and sneezing.
Teaching your kids these healthy habits.
";
article[32520101] = "32520101^World TB Day: Working Together to Eliminate TB^03/2010^
The Tuberculosis Prevention Partnership of Santa Clara County, which includes the Public Health Department, recognized World TB Day with a news conference and luncheon at Cisco LifeConnections Health Center on Monday, March 22. The group released new data that shows despite declining tuberculosis (TB) case rates in California, TB cases in Santa Clara County are not decreasing. In 2009, Santa Clara County had the third highest number of TB cases in the state and the fourth highest TB rate when compared to other California counties.
The TB rate in California was 6.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2009, while the TB case rate in Santa Clara County was 10.8 cases per 100,000 in 2009. Nationwide, the TB rate was 3.8 cases per 100,000 people in 2009. Santa Clara County’s 197 TB cases in 2009 was the same number as 2008.
“TB is still a serious problem in Santa Clara County,” said Marty Fenstersheib, Santa Clara County Health Officer. “The public and private sector can eliminate TB if we work together to find and treat people with TB and focus on prevention efforts. An important part of prevention is effectively screening and treating latent TB infection in people with chronic diseases like diabetes, which makes people more susceptible to developing active TB.”
More than 40 healthcare providers and others concerned about TB attended the luncheon to learn how TB is affecting the local community. Dr. Sara Cody, Deputy Health Officer, provided an update on TB in Santa Clara County and Rachel Orduno, a TB survivor, spoke about the TB patient’s role in stopping the spread of TB. It’s imperative that people with TB complete their full course of treatment, which can take six months or more. Orduno had latent TB and within a year of being diagnosed with diabetes, her latent TB turned into active TB.
TB is a bacterial lung disease that can remain dormant in infected individuals for years. Those who are infected with TB often don’t know it because their infection is “latent” or inactive and doesn’t make them or others sick. Once the infection becomes active, the infected individual is contagious. People with latent TB need to be treated to prevent the progression to active TB. Inappropriate or incomplete drug therapy by those with active TB can lead to multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB.
TB is a global health issue, with one third of the word’s population infected with TB, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Each year, there are nearly 2 million TB deaths worldwide. The Bay Area, including Santa Clara County, is home to many people who frequently travel to and from areas around the world with high TB rates, increasing the risk for TB here.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department works with local health care providers to stop the transmission of TB by identifying TB cases and following them through the completion of therapy. In addition, when an active case is identified, those who have come in close contact with the person must be evaluated and screened for TB. The Public Health Department conducts about 1,250 of these contact investigations each year. About one-third of those who have been in close contact with someone who has active TB become infected with latent TB (the non-contagious form) and 1 percent of those contacts are diagnosed with active TB.
“We are calling on all elected and appointed officials – locally, statewide, and nationally – to stay the course and resist decreasing funds for TB control at this critical time,” said Margo Sidener, President and CEO of Breathe California and Co-Chair of the TB Partnership. “Only if this is done will Santa Clara County and other high-rate counties be able to see a decrease in tuberculosis.”
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issue[7232010] = "
July 23, 2010
In this issue...
Also on our site
Whooping Cough on the Rise in California and Santa Clara County
There is an epidemic of Pertussis, also known as Whooping Cough, in California. Whooping cough is a bacterial infection that can cause severe coughing fits that make it difficult to breathe. Each year hundreds of babies are hospitalized for whooping cough and some die. But you can help to protect yourself and the babies you love from this disease.
Did you know that infants who are not fully immunized are at risk for getting whooping cough? In California, six infants have died from whooping cough this year.
California, including Santa Clara County, is likely to see the worst year of whooping cough in more than 50 years. Whooping cough is spread easily from person to person. At first it may seem like an ordinary cold but can become more serious, especially in infants. Your protection from whooping cough, either from getting the vaccine or from having the illness, can fade with time. It is important that anyone who comes into contact with infants less than 1 year of age get vaccinated. Almost half of the infants infected with whooping cough get it from their parents and family members.
To protect our community, we all need to take the simple step of getting vaccinated. Santa Clara County Public Health Department is encouraging vaccination of young children, including any parent, family member and caregiver of infants under 1 year of age.
The California Department of Public Health recommends booster shots against whooping cough for:
Anyone 7 years and older who is not fully immunized
Women of childbearing age, before, during, or immediately after pregnancy
People who have contact with pregnant women or infants less than one year of age
Also, preteens going to the doctor for their regular checkup at age 11 or 12 years should get a whooping cough booster shot.
For more information on whooping cough, symptoms and vaccination clinics, please visit our website at www.sccphd.org/whoopingcough or call the Public Health Information Line at: 408.885.3980.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[5072010] = "
May 07, 2010
In this issue...
Also on our site
Cinco de Mayo H1N1 Mobile Vaccination Clinics a Success
Nearly 500 people got vaccinated against the H1N1 flu this Cinco de Mayo weekend during local festivities. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department held two free mobile vaccination clinics as part of a larger community outreach effort to encourage Latinos to get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu.
Latinos have experienced higher hospitalization rates and death rates due to the H1N1 flu. Nationally, they have experienced nearly double the hospitalization rates for H1N1 as Whites (30.7 per 100,000 people compared to 16.3) and higher death rates than Whites, Asian/Pacific Islanders, and African Americans.
While flu activity is light right now, flu experts can not predict if and when another wave of flu might strike. As of April 13, 1,058 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized due to H1N1 and 20 people have died since May 2009.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department took the occasion of the Cinco de Mayo festivities this past weekend to reach out to communities that the Department was unable to reach before at its larger fairground clinics that took place this fall and winter. The Public Health Department enlisted the help of Spanish-speaking Promotoras (lay community outreach workers) to reach out to Latinos.
The effort has resulted in new partnerships with two community-based agencies, Vision y Compromiso and St. Louis Regional Hospital. They specialize in working with Promotoras to conduct community outreach using a “street-team” model.
Gilroy Celebrates Cinco de Mayo with the Third Annual Fruit and Veggie Fest
With so many choices at the supermarket, it’s often hard for families to pick the healthiest options. Gilroy’s third annual Fruit and Veggie Fest took place this Saturday as part of its Cinco de Mayo festivities. The festival helped many low-income shoppers learn smart shopping strategies to help them pick healthy foods for their their tables.
The event was part of a statewide effort to empower low-income families to be Champions for Change by make healthy, active living a priority. California is battling an obesity epidemic, with more than half of low-income residents 18 years and above currently overweight or obese. The Fruit and Veggie Fest connects local farmers and neighborhood grocery stores with community members in an effort to raise awareness of the many healthy benefits of fruits and vegetables. Through the Fruit and Veggie Fest, retail and produce industry partners help low-income shoppers learn smart shopping strategies – like choosing delicious and nutritious California-grown produce – that can help them live healthier lives.
The award-winning event has a lively street fair quality with music, dancing, healthy foods, and plenty of vendor booths and resources. This year, approximately 3,000 community members participated. Shoppers took part in food demonstrations, sampled California-grown produce, took store tours, received free H1N1 shots, and participated in physical activity demonstrations, such as yoga and dancing, and other interactive activities. Many shoppers also learned from retailers, farmers, and public health experts how even small steps, like adding more fruits and vegetables to meals and snacks, can lead to big health improvements.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[4272010] = "
April 27, 2010
In this issue...
Also on our site
Free Mobile Vaccination Clinics during Cinco de Mayo Festivities
Because H1N1 is still causing illness and Latinos have experienced higher hospitalization rates and mortality rates due to the H1N1 flu, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department is encouraging the Latino community to protect against the H1N1 flu virus by getting vaccinated.
The Public Health Department is holding two free vaccination clinics in early May during Cinco de Mayo celebrations in Gilroy and San Jose. The first will be held on Saturday, May 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Arteaga’s SuperSave parking lot located at 6906 Chestnut Street in Gilroy. The second is scheduled for Sunday, May 2, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., at Discovery Meadow in Guadalupe Park, located at San Carlos Street and Woz Way in San Jose.
The County’s mobile health clinic van will be parked at these two locations and staffed by nurses who will administer the vaccinations. There will be a number of nurses and others on hand who speak Spanish, and there’s no cost for this important vaccination. Everyone who gets vaccinated at these clinics will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win an Apple iPod with camera or grocery gift cards from Mi Pueblo Supermarket and Arteaga’s SuperSave. Other gift certificates from Fry’s Electronics, Willow Street Pizza, Sports Basement, Silver Creek Sports Complex, and Sonoma Chicken Coop will also be raffled off thanks to our generous sponsors.
Pregnant women are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that pregnant women accounted for 5 percent of the deaths from H1N1 during the peak outbreak from April through August 2009, but pregnant women make up only 1 percent of the population.
While the number of cases is going down since the fall outbreak, flu activity is ongoing and expected to continue throughout the summer. As of April 13, 1,058 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized due to H1N1 and 20 people have died since May 2009.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against H1N1 and the vaccine is safe and effective. Those who have not received their vaccination yet should get it as soon as possible. People with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes are particularly urged to get vaccinated, since many of the hospitalizations have been among those with underlying health conditions.
Free vaccines are also being offered regularly at the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, located at 976 Lenzen Avenue, Suite 1500, San Jose, 95126. The clinic is open Monday-Friday, 8:15 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis only and appointments are not necessary. For more information on H1N1 clinics and locations, please visit www.sccphd.org or call 408.885.3980.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[3252010] = "
March 25, 2010
In this issue...
Also on our site
World TB Day: Working Together to Eliminate TB
The Tuberculosis Prevention Partnership of Santa Clara County, which includes the Public Health Department, recognized World TB Day with a news conference and luncheon at Cisco LifeConnections Health Center on Monday, March 22. The group released new data that shows despite declining tuberculosis (TB) case rates in California, TB cases in Santa Clara County are not decreasing. In 2009, Santa Clara County had the third highest number of TB cases in the state and the fourth highest TB rate when compared to other California counties.
The TB rate in California was 6.4 cases per 100,000 people in 2009, while the TB case rate in Santa Clara County was 10.8 cases per 100,000 in 2009. Nationwide, the TB rate was 3.8 cases per 100,000 people in 2009. Santa Clara County’s 197 TB cases in 2009 was the same number as 2008.
“TB is still a serious problem in Santa Clara County,” said Marty Fenstersheib, Santa Clara County Health Officer. “The public and private sector can eliminate TB if we work together to find and treat people with TB and focus on prevention efforts. An important part of prevention is effectively screening and treating latent TB infection in people with chronic diseases like diabetes, which makes people more susceptible to developing active TB.”
More than 40 healthcare providers and others concerned about TB attended the luncheon to learn how TB is affecting the local community. Dr. Sara Cody, Deputy Health Officer, provided an update on TB in Santa Clara County and Rachel Orduno, a TB survivor, spoke about the TB patient’s role in stopping the spread of TB. It’s imperative that people with TB complete their full course of treatment, which can take six months or more. Orduno had latent TB and within a year of being diagnosed with diabetes, her latent TB turned into active TB.
TB is a bacterial lung disease that can remain dormant in infected individuals for years. Those who are infected with TB often don’t know it because their infection is “latent” or inactive and doesn’t make them or others sick. Once the infection becomes active, the infected individual is contagious. People with latent TB need to be treated to prevent the progression to active TB. Inappropriate or incomplete drug therapy by those with active TB can lead to multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[2182010] = "
February 18, 2010
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Santa Clara County Ranks Fourth in State Health
If you haven’t heard the news, our County ranked as the fourth healtiest place to live in California. Santa Clara County also ranked first when compared to large counties such as Los Angeles and San Francisco. Findings from the County Health Rankings report were published in today’s Mercury News’s article, Best, worst California counties for healthy living ranked in study. The report was released by the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation earlier this week and is the first such report to rank the overall health of the counties in all 50 states – more than 3,000 total – by using a standard formula to measure how healthy people are and how long they live.
Student Winners of H1N1 YouTube Contest Win Big
It’s a win-win story. Students from area colleges and high schools took on the challenge of creating H1N1 YouTube videos to help educate all of us about the H1N1 flu and ways to protect ourselves. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department launched the student video contest as part of an effort to reach young adults and teens through social media. The winners were rewarded with some very cool prizes which were donated by local businesses and companies.
Mission College students Gladys Balajadia, Evangeline Obispo, Lucia Martinez Alvarez, and Reina Batto, won in the Best Overall Video category. Their “H1N1 vs. Superheroes” video features a college student who is “saved” from the H1N1 flu virus by superheroes who “fight” the virus. The student falsely believes she is not at risk for H1N1, but the superheroes set her straight, encouraging her to get vaccinated and offering tips for preventing the spread of H1N1.
San Jose State University Health Science student, Pengxiao Wei, won in the Best Foreign Language category for her “H1N1 Awareness” video in Chinese. The video uses graphic images of people wearing masks as well as cartoon drawings. Wei found out about the contest through a presentation given by a Santa Clara County Public Health staff member in her Health Communicatons and Technologies class. Her professor, Frank Strona, encouraged students to create videos for extra credit and to enter the contest. Wei reflected on the experience, “The extra work really paid off. I got an A in the class, won some great prizes, but most importantly, I’m helping my community get the health information they need in their own language.” Wei was awarded gift certificates to Fry’s Electronics, Sports Basement, Sonoma Chicken Coop, and Psycho Donuts, as well as free passes to Strike Bowling.
Oak Grove High School Juniors Jonathan Gubler and Anthony Vibanco won in the Best Short Video category for their “H1N1 Virus PSA” video, which provides some quick facts about preventing H1N1. Both Gubler and Vibanco took a video production class offered at Oak Groove last semester where they learned how to apply technical skills in video production. Their teacher, Mr. Smith, announced the contest and the juniors decided to put their skills to the test.
They worked with other students in the nursing program to get the health info and then got to work writing a script. Gubler explained, “Once we educated ourselves, we knew that we had to do our part to let other students know that it’s important to wash hands, stay healthy and take the flu seriously. It has the potential to make you really sick and even kill people.” The guys were thrilled with their gift certificates for Sky High Sports, Silvercreek Sportsplex Skating, Fry’s Electronics, Sports Basement, Togos, and Psycho Donuts. They were equally proud that they got to play a vital role in H1N1 prevention efforts. As Vibanco put it, “The bottom line is, it’s not over yet and it’s important to still get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu to protect ourselves and everyone around us because it could affect anyone one of us.”
If you still have not received your H1N1 vaccination, it’s not too late. While the number of cases is declining, the H1N1 flu virus is still causing hospitalizations and deaths in Santa Clara County. To learn more about H1N1 and where to get a vaccination, visit www.sccphd.org/h1n1flu
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[2052010] = "
February 05, 2010
In this issue...
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Get a Good Night’s Sleep!
Some of us made New Year resolutions to get enough sleep and we are making progress. But we all can use a few pointers to help us sleep better and getting a good night’s sleep can depend on a combination of factors. Your sleep drive and your biological clock tell you when to sleep, and when both are working well, you sleep best.
With all the sleep research out there, we still do not understand why we sleep. But we sure know what happens when we don't: disaster. And when we do get great sleep, really good things happen (increased immune system, look better, weight loss, and increased performance).
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[1252010] = "
January 25, 2010
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Don’t Wait, Vaccinate!
Don’t wait any longer to get the H1N1 vaccine! The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is urging residents to get vaccinated to protect against getting the H1N1 flu and prevent another outbreak of the disease. Children under 10 need two doses to get the best protection against the H1N1 virus.
If you have not had a H1N1 vaccination, get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the H1N1 vaccine. The Public Health Department is offering free H1N1 flu vaccinations for people who don’t have health insurance or for those whose medical providers do not have the vaccine. The clinic is located at 976 Lenzen Ave., Suite 1500, San Jose, 95126. The clinic is open Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 11:30 am & 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis. Retail pharmacies are also offering the H1N1 flu vaccination for a cost. To find a retail provider near you, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.
For more information about the Lenzen clinic, please call 408-885-3980.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[1142010] = "
January 14, 2010
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It’s Not Too Late to Vaccinate!
Don’t wait any longer to get the H1N1 vaccine! The H1N1 flu may be leveling off, but it isn’t going away. People are still getting sick, and while the number hospitalized people is down, serious illness and even deaths are still happening in Santa Clara County.
More people are sick with the flu than normal for this time of year. As part of the National Influenza Vaccination Week, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department wants you to get vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus. By protecting yourself, you can help prevent another outbreak of the disease.
There is a free H1N1 vaccination clinic this Saturday, January 16, at the County Fairgrounds on Tully Road. The clinic is for:
Children who need their second dose
County residents who don’t have health insurance
County residents who cannot get the vaccine from their healthcare provider
The clinic will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children under 10 need two doses to get the best protection against the H1N1 virus. Children returning to the clinic for their second vaccination need to bring the blue card they were given when they received their first vaccination.
If you have not received your H1N1 vaccination – get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have received the H1N1 vaccine, and if not come to the free clinic.
For a cost, retail pharmacies also have the H1N1 flu vaccination. To find a retail provider near you, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.
Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against the H1N1 flu virus. Now is a good time to get vaccinated because the H1N1 vaccine is more widely available, so don’t wait – vaccinate!
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[1122010] = "
January 12, 2010
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Public Health Department Celebrates National Influenza Vaccination Week by Encouraging Residents to Get Vaccinated
It’s Still Important to Protect Yourself From the H1N1 Flu Virus
San Jose, California –The Santa Clara County Public Health Department is celebrating National Influenza Vaccination Week (January 10-16) by encouraging county residents to get vaccinated against pandemic H1N1 influenza. Pandemic H1N1 flu still poses a serious health risk and getting vaccinated is the best way to protect yourself against the H1N1 flu virus.
National Influenza Vaccination Week is an annual observance to highlight the importance of flu vaccinations after the holiday season into January and beyond. Raising awareness about getting vaccinated right now is more important than ever because most county residents still have not received their H1N1 vaccination. Supplies of the H1N1 vaccine were limited in the fall, when most people typically consider getting vaccinated. Now is a good time to get vaccinated because the H1N1 vaccine is more widely available and the H1N1 virus is still causing serious illness in Santa Clara County.
Up until last week, the H1N1 vaccine had been directed only for those at high risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 flu virus. Now it is available to the general public and anyone who hasn’t received their H1N1 flu vaccination should contact their provider to get it. Retail pharmacies are also offering the H1N1 vaccine.
The Public Health Department is using this opportunity to raise awareness about the need to get vaccinated against the pandemic H1N1 flu at a time when demand for the vaccine may drop significantly. While no one can predict whether there will be a third wave of H1N1 flu as has been experienced with other flu pandemics, we do know if more people are vaccinated, the disease is less likely to spread in the coming months.
Every year, certain days during National Influenza Vaccination Week are designated to highlight the importance for different groups to get vaccinated. This year’s national schedule includes a special focus on: healthcare workers, people with chronic conditions, children, pregnant women, young adults, and seniors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has released 30 and 60-second public service announcements urging people to get vaccinated. To view the PSA, visit www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/INever/.
If you have not received your vaccination yet, you should get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have received the H1N1 vaccine. To find a retail provider near you, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box at www.sccphd.org
If you don’t have health insurance, check the Public Health Department’s website at www.sccphd.org for information about how to get the H1N1 vaccine.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[1112010] = "
January 11, 2010
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Why H1N1 Flu is Still a Concern
As we move into 2010, you may be wondering if the H1N1 flu is still a concern. You probably know that pandemic flu viruses can be unpredictable and have the ability to make otherwise healthy people sick. Keep reading to find out why you shouldn’t write off the H1N1 flu virus too soon.
Flu activity is still high
The flu may be leveling off, but it isn’t going away. While the number of cases is going down, serious illness and even deaths are still happening. Certain groups, including pregnant women and infants, remain at high risk for serious complications from H1N1 flu. In California, we are still seeing more people sick with the flu than we would normally see at this time of year.
H1N1 is the dominant flu strain
Laboratory testing shows that H1N1 is the main flu virus making people sick around the state. The H1N1 virus has not changed very much, which is good news. That means the H1N1 vaccine is still the best protection against this flu.
Most people are still at risk of getting sick
The California Department of Public Health estimates that 4.3 million Californians have already been infected with H1N1. As of December 22, 2009, 12 million doses of vaccine had been shipped to health care providers in California. That is more than half of what the State is expecting to get. But California’s population is over 36 million people, which means that most Californians have not gotten sick or received the vaccine and are still at risk for getting the H1N1 flu. Public Health officials want Californians to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene to protect themselves from the flu.
Riding the pandemic waves
Historically, illnesses caused by pandemic influenza viruses have come in waves. The first wave of illness was in the spring and early summer of 2009. The second wave is declining now. We know it is impossible to predict if or when there will be a third wave. We also know that it is very unlikely that H1N1 will disappear completely.
This slowdown in flu activity and additional shipments of the vaccine means there is an incredible window of opportunity to get vaccinated. Getting a vaccine now will help protect you, prevent the spread of flu to others who are at risk for complications and help reduce the severity of a third wave.
The bottom line
H1N1 Flu cases are dropping off, and more vaccine is arriving. H1N1 is still causing serious illness and even deaths. We don’t know what will happen in the next few months. H1N1 is still a concern, but we all have the ability to do something about it now. Public Health officials believe it is still extremely important to get the H1N1 vaccine when it becomes available to you and to practice good hygiene and other healthy habits, which include:
Staying home and away from others if you are sick until at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without using fever-reducing medicine.
Washing your hands often with soap and warm water.
Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve.
Keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.
Staying away from people who are coughing and sneezing.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[1062010] = "
January 06, 2010
In this issue...
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The Santa Clara County Public Health Department Wishes You a Healthy New Year
Stay healthy this new year and protect yourself against the H1N1 flu by getting vaccinated. The H1N1 vaccine provides the best protection against the H1N1 flu virus.
In 2009, only people in one of the risk groups were eligible for vaccinations. That changed on January 4, and now everyone is eligible.
While hospitalizations due to H1N1 have dropped off, the virus is still causing serious illness. It’s important to remember flu pandemics are unpredictable and there could be another resurgence of the disease. So it’s still important to get vaccinated – you can protect yourself and help prevent another outbreak of the disease.
If you have not yet received your vaccination, you should get it as soon as possible. Contact your healthcare provider to see if they have the vaccine. If they do not, retail pharmacies are offering the vaccine. Pharmacies are getting the vaccine directly from the federal government this month. To find a pharmacy, enter your zip code in the Flu Vaccine Locator box on the Public Health Department’s website www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine.
For people who don’t have health insurance, the Public Health Department is offering H1N1 flu vaccinations by appointment only. For information about dates and times, and to make an appointment, please call 408-885-3980.
Here are some other tips to stay healthy in 2010:
Keep your distance from people who are sick.
Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers.
Carry hand sanitizers or wipes with you when you are on the go.
Don’t touch your eyes, nose and mouth.
It’s also important to take good care of yourself. Get plenty of rest and eat nutritious foods. Exercise regularly and try to keep stress under control.
You can also help reduce the spread of disease by staying home when you are sick. Cover your mouth when you cough with a tissue (and immediately throw the tissue away) or cough into the crook of your arm. While you are sick, avoid contact with family members and others who live in your household. And stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone, without taking fever-reducing medications.
By following these few simple tips, we all can stay healthier in 2010!
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[12152009] = "
December 15, 2009
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About the H1N1 Vaccine Recall
The vaccine is safe and there is no need to revaccinate
As you probably heard, a manufacturer of the H1N1 vaccine - Sanofi Pasteur - has issued a voluntary recall for four (4) lots of its injectable H1N1 influenza vaccine for children 6-35 months. There are no safety concerns, but the affected lots have slightly diminished amounts of antigen, which is why it is being recalled. The announcement of the recall was made today by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The voluntary recall affects 800,000 doses of H1N1 flu vaccine. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department received 900 of the recalled doses, which are pre-filled syringes intended for young children ages 6 to 35 months old. Private providers who received the recalled doses are being notified directly and asked to return them to the manufacturer.
“The recall does not affect the safety of the vaccine,” said Dr. Marty Fenstersheib, Health Officer for the Santa Clara County Public Health Department. “The vaccine in question may be slightly less potent, but kids don't need to get revaccinated. If they haven’t yet had their second dose, they should get it as scheduled.”
For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[12092009] = "
December 09, 2009
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update – December 09, 2009
We are holding the last free H1N1 flu vaccination clinic of the year at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, located on Tully Road in San Jose, on Saturday, December 12. The clinic is from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
The weather on Saturday is expected to be cold and rainy. We are concerned about people being out in the cold for long periods of time so people will not be allowed to form a line until 7 a.m. and the parking lot will also be closed until 7 a.m.
If your child is younger than 10 and received an H1N1 flu vaccination at least three weeks ago, it’s time for the second vaccination. Children under 10 need a second booster vaccination to get the best protection from the H1N1 flu virus. If you are returning to the free clinic for the second vaccination, please bring the blue card you were given when your child received the first vaccination.
While the lines have been relatively short at the last two clinics, you should still come prepared to wait. Dress appropriately with warm clothing and rain gear. Bring what you need to be comfortable like chairs, food and water, as well as something to occupy your children like games, books and toys.
Public and private healthcare providers are continuing to receive more vaccine, so you should first contact your provider to see if they have received a supply. The free clinic on December 12 is for those who don’t have access to healthcare services and those who don’t have a regular medical provider, or their provider does not have the vaccine.
For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
If you have a fever or are sick, please do not go to the free vaccination clinic. People who are sick will not be given the H1N1 vaccine.
Depending on vaccine supplies, additional clinics may be scheduled in January. Information will be posted at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine when dates and times are confirmed.
Eventually, there will be enough vaccine available in our County so that everyone who wants the H1N1 vaccination will be able to get it.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[12042009] = "
December 04, 2009
In this issue...
Also on our site
H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update – December 04, 2009
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Tully Road in San Jose on Sunday, December 6, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m
The clinic is for those people in one of the 5 groups listed below who don’t have access to medical services or can’t get the vaccine from their healthcare provider. If you are in a group at high risk for complications, you should call your medical provider first to see if you can get the vaccine from them. For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
Please Note: Children younger than 10 years old who received their first H1N1 flu vaccination at least three weeks ago now need to get their second booster vaccination to have the best chance of being protected from the H1N1 flu virus. Children returning to the public clinic for their second vaccination need to bring the blue card they were given when they received their first vaccination.
Check out our latest H1N1 YouTube Video, Kids Speak Up About H1N1 Flu. The video was taken at the Fairgrounds during one our free vaccination clinics for high risk individuals. These kids know what they need to do to help prevent the spread of H1N1 flu germs in our community and stay healthy.
The video is also being used to promote our H1N1 YouTube Video Contest. The YouTube contest is open to any County resident 14 years of age or higher. The goal is to get the message out about how to limit the spread of pandemic H1N1 flu. If you’re looking for something fun to do over the holiday break with family and friends, create either a 30- or 60-second video that will inform and motivate your family, friends, co-workers or classmates to take common sense actions to help prevent the spread of the H1N1 flu. Think about it as a “modern” or “up-to-date” Public Service Announcement (PSA). Video categories include: Best Overall Video, Best Short Video, Funniest Video, Best Foreign Language Video, and Most Viewed Video. Videos can be submitted by individuals or in teams of up to five (5) people. Prizes include an iPod Nano with Video Camera for the Best Overall Video and other cool gift certificate prize packages for winners in other categories. Go to our website for full list of prizes at www.sccphd.org.
Send us your completed registration form and YouTube Video link before the deadline on midnight on December 31st by emailing us at Healthwatch@hhs.sccgov.org.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11252009] = "
November 25, 2009
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Giving Thanks to Santa Clara County Residents
With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend before us, there is much to be thankful for. The Public Health Department would like to thank the residents of Santa Clara County for their patience and understanding as we work to meet the challenges of a pandemic flu.
We are thankful that we have an H1N1 vaccine. This large-scale vaccination program is a “first” for us and we’ve learned a great deal. With local medical providers, we have been able to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of residents in our community. The protection the vaccine offers means fewer people will become ill and lives will be saved. This is something to be truly thankful for.
We also thank the hundreds of healthcare workers, volunteers and other staff who have given their time, experience and expertise to vaccination efforts. They demonstrate a remarkable commitment to our community.
Vaccination efforts will continue with another free H1N1 clinic at the County Fairgrounds on Tully Road. The public clinic will be Sunday, December 6th, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Please remember, if your child is younger than 10 years old and they had their first H1N1 flu vaccine at least three weeks ago, they need to get their second vaccine to be fully protected. Here are the groups of people who can currently get the vaccine:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency services workers
People in these categories who cannot get the vaccine through their healthcare provider should go to the public clinic on December 6th. You can get more information at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine or by calling 408.885.3980.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11242009] = "
November 24, 2009
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update - November 24, 2009
More than 6,500 individuals at risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 influenza virus were vaccinated at public clinics held on Saturday, November 21. The largest clinic was held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, where 5,500 people were vaccinated. Another 1,000 vaccinations were provided at two Gardner Family Health sites.
The situation was quite different from past public clinics, where people waited in line for hours. Like the previous public vaccination clinics held at the Fairgrounds, some individuals and families arrived many hours before the 9:30 a.m. start time. But this time, people who had lined up early were vaccinated by 12 noon and lines were short after that. People continued to arrive in a steady stream until 3:30 p.m. when the clinic closed.
According to the state, 277,330 doses of the vaccine have been supplied to public and private healthcare providers in Santa Clara County to date, including the Kaiser system. While the amount so far is still not enough to vaccinate all those at risk for illness or serious complications, more vaccine continues to arrived into our the County.
The public vaccination clinics held over the last 3 weekends distributed just under 27,000 doses to people in one of the high-risk groups. That means the vast majority of the supply has gone to healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and private medical groups and practices in Santa Clara County. It’s important for those at high risk who want the vaccine to first contact their medical provider.
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Sunday, December 6, for people in a high-risk group who don’t have access to medical care or can’t get the vaccination from their provider. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Children under the age of 10 who received the H1N1 flu vaccine at the first public vaccination clinic held on November 7 need to get their booster vaccination. Parents should contact their medical providers first to see if they have the vaccine and schedule an appointment. If your medical provider does not have the vaccine yet, you should return with your child to the public vaccination clinic on Sunday, December 6, to get the second vaccination, which is needed to be fully protected from the H1N1 flu. Depending on vaccine supplies, additional clinics are likely to be scheduled for December. Information will be posted at www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine when dates and times are confirmed.
While lines were relatively short at the recent clinic, those who plan to attend the December 6 clinic should still come prepared to wait. Bring what you need to be comfortable like chairs, food and water, as well as something to occupy your children like games, books and toys. Before you leave home, check the weather forecast so you know what to wear and whether you need to be prepared for rain. If you have a fever or are sick, please do not go to a public vaccination clinic. People who are sick will not be given the H1N1 vaccine.
If you are in a group at high risk for complications, you should call your medical provider first to see if you can get the vaccine from them. For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
Eventually, there will be enough vaccine available in our County so that everyone who wants the H1N1 vaccination will be able to get it.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11202009] = "
November 20, 2009
In this issue...
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H1N1 Vaccine Distribution and Availability
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department understands the frustration that many residents of our community have about the limited availability of the H1N1 vaccine, nationwide and locally.
The plan for distributing the H1N1 vaccine in Santa Clara County had always been for residents to go to their own medical providers. While more H1N1 influenza vaccine is coming into Santa Clara County, the amount delivered to date is still not enough to vaccinate those at high risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 flu virus. According to the state, 241,000 doses of the vaccine have been supplied to public and private healthcare providers in the County, including the Kaiser system.
The amount received so far means about 30 percent of those at highest risk for illness and serious complications can be vaccinated. Estimates show that of the 1.8 million residents in Santa Clara County, 800,000 are in the high-risk categories.
The public vaccination clinics held over the last two weekends distributed just under 20,000 doses. That means the vast majority of the supply has gone to local healthcare providers, including hospitals, clinics, and private medical groups and practices. It’s important for those at high risk who want the vaccine to first contact their medical provider; it is the most efficient way to get the H1N1 vaccine.
Watch the YouTube story of Molly Carbajal, mother of 3, who is grateful that she was able to get the H1N1 Flu Vaccine for her medically fragile daughter through the Santa Clara County Public Health Department’s California Children Services (CCS) program, or read her story below.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11172009] = "
November 17, 2009
In this issue...
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update - November 17, 2009
More than 9,100 individuals at risk for illness or serious complications from the H1N1 influenza virus were vaccinated at public clinics held over the weekend. The largest clinic was on Sunday, November 15, at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, where 4,776 people were vaccinated. Smaller clinics were held on Saturday, November 14, at three Valley Health Center locations, where 3,450 vaccinations were provided. Another 900 vaccinations were provided at two Gardner Family Health sites.
Public and private healthcare providers in Santa Clara County received another 89,000 doses of the H1N1 influenza vaccination from manufacturers last week. This does not include the Kaiser system, which receives its vaccine separately. While the H1N1 vaccine is beginning to flow into the county on a more regular basis, supplies are still limited.
Most of the vaccine supplied to Santa Clara County has gone to private healthcare providers, including local hospitals, clinics, private medical groups and practices. If you are in a high-risk group and have not yet received an H1N1 vaccine you should call your provider first to see if they have received the vaccine.
Another public vaccination clinic is scheduled at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds on Saturday, November 21, for those who don’t have access to medical care or can’t get the vaccination from their provider. It will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Go to www.sccphd.org/h1n1vaccine for other vaccination clinic locations for this Saturday. Additional clinics will also be scheduled for December and will be posted at www.sccphd.org when dates and times are confirmed.
For the time being, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
If you plan to attend the clinic on November 21st, you should come prepared to wait. It’s important to bring the basic necessities like chairs, food, water, warm clothing and other items to occupy time.
The Public Health Department asks that only those in this high-risk category attend the November 21 clinic. Also, if you are sick, please do not attend. You will not be able to get vaccinated until you are well. People in high risk categories with fever and other flu-like symptoms should consult their medical provider or seek medical attention.
Please continue to check our web site in the coming weeks for future clinic dates, times and locations.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11132009] = "
November 13, 2009
In this issue...
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Vaccination Clinics: Be Prepared to Wait
People planning to attend one of the H1N1 public vaccination clinics should come prepared to wait. Due to a high demand for the vaccine, public clinics across the Bay Area have had long lines.
Bring what you need to be comfortable while waiting. The lines for these clinics are outdoors, so check the weather forecast to see what to wear and whether it may rain.
Since you may be waiting for hours, think about bringing:
Food
Water
Chairs
If you will have children with you, bring something to occupy their time like:
Games
Toys
Books
Puzzles
For families with small children, bring a stroller and blankets so little ones can sleep while you wait.
If you or your child is sick, please do not come to the vaccination clinics. You will not be able to get the vaccine until you are well. More vaccine is being shipped into our community, so check with your medical provider to see if they have vaccine. If not, check the Public Health Department web site for an updated schedule.
Just a reminder, public vaccine clinics are for the following groups:
Pregnant women
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11092009] = "
November 09, 2009
In this issue...
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update - November 09, 2009
Nearly 9,000 individuals were vaccinated at public H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics held on Saturday, November 7. The largest clinic was held at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds, where 4,175 vaccinations were provided to pregnant women, children, young adults, and others at risk for illness and serious complications from the H1N1 flu. Public clinics held at three Valley Health Center locations provided 3,800 flu shots to those in the high-risk groups and another 850 vaccinations were provided at three Gardner Family Health sites.
The line was long at the County Fairgrounds as many people arrived well before the 9:30 a.m. start. Vaccinations continued throughout the day, with the last one provided at 5 p.m.
The Public Health Department will be offering another H1N1 vaccination clinic at the County Fairgrounds on Sunday, November 15, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. A large turnout is expected, so people should come prepared to wait. Individuals and families should bring chairs, food, water, and anything else needed to be comfortable in line, including warm clothing and something to occupy your children like books and toys.
Additional clinics sites are planned for Saturday, November 14. For these locations and times, please check the Public Health website at www.sccphd.org.
Due to limited supplies of the vaccine, vaccinations will continue to be provided only to the following groups:
Pregnant women;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under 6 months
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
The Public Health Department asks that only those in this high-risk category attend the November 15 clinic. Also, if you are sick, please do not attend. You will not be able to get the vaccine until you are well.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[11042009] = "
November 04, 2009
In this issue...
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update - November 04, 2009
Today and tomorrow, 85 private and public medical providers in the County will receive just over 10,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Over the next weeks and months, supplies of the H1N1 vaccine will continue to be shipped into Santa Clara County, but for the time being these quantities still represent a limited amount for our community and are below what we need to vaccinate the groups at highest risk of illness and complications.
The list of these providers will not be published. With these 85 providers and the Kaiser system with vaccine, people at higher risk for illness or complications from this flu should contact their medical providers to check if the vaccine is available to them.
“With limited supplies of the H1N1 flu vaccine, it’s important for those of us who are healthy to wait until the vaccine is widely available,” said Ken Yeager, Santa Clara County Supervisor. “Most healthy people who get sick from this virus will recover without any medical care. But people who are at risk for complications could end up hospitalized or worse, so it is very important to get them the vaccine first.”
Due to limited supplies of the H1N1 vaccine, the Public Health Department is recommending the following groups get the vaccine first:
Pregnant women;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at risk for serious illness and death from the H1N1 flu virus
Healthcare and emergency service care workers
People not in one of these groups are being asked to wait until more H1N1 vaccine is available.
The PHD is holding the first clinic for the groups listed above on November 7th at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds. Other public clinics with limited supplies of the vaccine are listed on the department’s web site. Once more vaccine arrives to the public healthcare system, additional clinic times and locations will be added to the schedule.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[10302009] = "
October 30, 2009
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine Update - October 30, 2009
As of October 28th, 435 people in Santa Clara County have been hospitalized with serious complications related to the H1N1 influenza virus and 13 have died since May. In California, there have been 4,047 hospitalizations and 249 deaths.
Hospitalizations and death are expected during a flu pandemic since people have no or little immunity to this new flu virus. The number of hospitalizations and deaths in our community will continue to increase throughout the fall and winter months. While the virus continues to spread, it is important to remember that most people who have been sick with the H1N1 virus have recovered without needing medical treatment. For those at high risk for serious complications from the H1N1 flu and who are still waiting to be vaccinated, early treatment with antiviral medications is the best way to avoid severe illness from the flu.
The H1N1 vaccine will provide the best protection from the H1N1 flu. Four public vaccination clinics for those at high risk and those who care for high risk individuals are now scheduled on November 7, from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Those at high risk for complications can attend these clinics, and those groups are:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years;
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications; and,
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers.
Because the vaccine supply is so limited at this time, it is important that persons not belonging to one of the five groups above wait to be vaccinated so that those at highest risk of severe illness can get the vaccine.
The Saturday locations are:
Santa Clara County Fairground Expo Hall 334 Tully Road San Jose, CA 95111
Valley Health Center Gilroy 7475 Camino Arroyo Gilroy, CA 95128
Valley Health Center Moorpark 2400 Moorpark Avenue San Jose, CA 95128
Valley Health Center Sunnyvale 660 S. Fair Oaks Avenue Sunnyvale, CA 94086
If a person who is at high risk and hasn’t yet been able to get the vaccine gets sick with the H1N1 flu, antiviral medications can help stop the virus before severe illness occurs. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly, so at the first sign of illness, those at high risk should contact their healthcare provider.
H1N1 flu symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and extreme tiredness. Many people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Flu antiviral medications are prescription drugs (pills, liquid, or inhaler) that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antiviral medications should be started within two days after becoming sick. When used this way, these medications can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and prevent serious flu complications.
While the vaccine is the best way to avoid getting sick with the flu, you can also reduce your chances of getting sick by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizers; keeping your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth; staying away from sick people; and regularly cleaning surfaces around your home and work area.
The H1N1 virus is spread when droplets are coughed or sneezed into the air by an infected person and someone nearby breathes them in. The virus can also spread when a person touches a surface like a door handle or table top where these droplets have landed and then touches their eyes, nose or mouth.
For more information about the H1N1 flu and vaccination clinics offered by the Santa Clara County Public Health Department, visit www.sccphd.org.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[10292009] = "
October 29, 2009
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H1N1 Flu Vaccination Update - October 29, 2009
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has just received a shipment of 26,000 dosages of the H1N1 vaccine. While the arrival of the vaccine is good news, this still represents a limited supply for Santa Clara County.
Because of the limited supply and the understanding that most medical providers in Santa Clara County have not yet received shipments from the federal government, the Santa Clara County Public Health Department will immediately begin to redistribute vaccine to local medical providers. For the next week, these providers have been instructed to give the vaccine to people who are at highest risk for infection AND serious illness and complications from the H1N1 flu, or care for high risk individuals who cannot receive vaccine:
Pregnant women;
Children 6 months to 2 years of age;
Children and young people 2 to 18 years of age with medical conditions;
People who live with or care for infants under the age of 6 months; and,
Healthcare and emergency service workers who provide care to those listed above.
Starting on November 7th, the department will begin vaccination clinics for the following groups of people:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years;
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications; and,
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers.
The first public clinic for those at highest risk will be held on November 7th from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm and will stay open during this period as long as supplies last. The clinic will be located at the Santa Clara County Fairgrounds.
Other clinic locations, dates and times will be added when more shipments of vaccine arrive. Continue to check on the Public Health Department’s web site for updates. When more shipments of vaccine begin to flow into the county, the Public Health Department will notify all public and private healthcare providers when they can begin to vaccinate the general public and no longer need to give the vaccine only to high risk groups.
The Santa Clara County Public Health Department shares the public’s concern about the overall availability of the H1N1 vaccine but asks healthy adults to wait until vaccine becomes more readily available. Most healthy people who become sick with the H1N1 will recover without needing any medical attention. People in a high risk group are at greater risk for serious illness and death. That is why early vaccination efforts are focused on getting them the protection the vaccine offers.
If someone who is at high risk for illness or complications from the H1N1 flu has flu symptoms, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately and begin treatment with antiviral medications. Anyone with severe symptoms of flu should contact their medical provider for advice on what to do. The Santa Clara County Public Health Department has provided guidelines to the local medical community recommending immediate treatment with antiviral medications to anyone in a high risk group with flu-like illness. Flu symptoms can come on suddenly, so at the first sign of illness, those at high risk should contact their healthcare provider right away.
H1N1 flu symptoms typically include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and extreme tiredness. Many people who have been infected with the H1N1 virus, especially children, also have reported diarrhea and vomiting.
Flu antiviral medications are prescription drugs (pills, liquid, or inhaler) that decrease the ability of flu viruses to reproduce. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), antiviral medications should be started within two days after becoming sick. When used this way, these medications can reduce the severity of flu symptoms and prevent serious flu complications.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[10272009] = "
October 27, 2009
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H1N1 Flu - Update October 27, 2009
As of October 21, 2009, Santa Clara County had a total of 329 hospitalizations related to the pandemic H1N1 flu, and a total of 10 deaths.
In the last 24 hours, the Public Health Department has received information about our next shipment of the H1N1 vaccine and is expecting 8,800 dosages of the vaccine. This shipment will be a combination of both the nasal spray and shot forms of the vaccine, and it is likely to arrive by the end of the week.
Because this shipment is very limited, it is important to get this shipment of the vaccine to the children and adults at highest risk for the most serious complications. The Public Health Department will be working with local medical providers to get the vaccine to the following:
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants less than 6 months old;
Infants and children from 6 months to 2 years of age; and
Children and adolescents from 2 years old to 18 years old who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu related complications;
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers who provide direct patient care to the list above.
This is a revision of our earlier plans.
Starting November 7th
Because the Public Health Department is expecting additional shipments of the H1N1 vaccine in the next couple of weeks, clinics will be held for the at-risk groups we have outlined earlier.
If you can – please get the H1N1 vaccine from your doctor or regular medical provider. The clinics being held by our public healthcare system will be using their vaccines for high-risk individuals, including those who cannot get their vaccine from their medical provider. To protect as many people in this community as possible, if you can get your vaccine with your own doctor you should do so.
The Public Health Department clinics will be for the following groups,
Pregnant women;
People who live with or provide care for infants under six months;
Healthcare and emergency medical services workers;
Children and young adults between the ages of 6 months and 24 years; and,
Adults between the ages of 25 and 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for flu-related complications.
The H1N1 vaccine will be free at the Public Health Department clinics.
The vaccine should become more readily available in late November and December. Once the demand for vaccine for people at highest risk has been met, the Public Health Department and local providers can begin providing the vaccine to others. It is important to remember - this is the beginning of a long vaccination effort. We thank you for your patience and understanding.
Clinic locations, days, and hours may change based on the vaccine’s availability and public demand. Please check www.sccphd.org/h1n1flu for updates to clinic schedules.
Weekends
Times
Location
Saturday, November 7 Sunday, November 15 Saturday, November 21
9:30am - 3:30pm
Santa Clara County Fairgrounds EXPO HALL 334 Tully Road San José, CA 95111 View Map
Vaccination is still the best protection against H1N1. Since a flu pandemic can last for several months and as long as 2 years, many people will continue to be at risk for illness. Getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available is the best way to protect yourself from H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine provides protection for up to one year after vaccination.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[10222009] = "
October 22, 2009
In this issue...
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H1N1 Flu Vaccine - Current Vaccine Status as of 10/22/2009
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention has provided an update regarding the production of the H1N1 vaccine.
Shipments of the H1N1 vaccine are being sent, but the amount of vaccine will be less than earlier estimates. This is because there have been difficulties in the vaccine production.
In Santa Clara County, we are anticipating the arrival of periodic shipments of both the nasal spray and shot form of the vaccine. These shipments may begin to arrive as soon as next week. Due to a limited amount of the vaccine arriving initially, it will be given to those at highest risk for illness or complications from the H1N1 flu:
Pregnant women
Infants, children and young adults from 6 months old to 24 years old
People with health problems like asthma, diabetes and heart disease
People with weak immune systems
Additionally, anyone who lives with or cares for infants under 6 months old is eligible to get the vaccine. Healthcare and emergency workers are also eligible to receive the vaccine because of their role in providing care to people who are sick and injured.
The vaccine should become more readily available in late November and December. Once more of the vaccine is available, it will be distributed through public and private health care providers, including vaccination clinics provided by the Public Health Department. Please visit www.sccphd.org for the schedule of Public Health’s H1N1 Vaccination Clinics.
This is the beginning of a long vaccination effort. Over the next months, shipments of vaccine will continue to arrive in Santa Clara County and it is expected that there will eventually be enough for everyone who wants it.
Vaccination is still the best protection against H1N1. Since a flu pandemic can last for several months and as long as 2 years, many people will continue to be at risk for illness. Getting the vaccine as soon as it becomes available is the best way to protect yourself from H1N1 flu. The H1N1 vaccine provides protection for up to one year after vaccination.
Please visit this page for frequent updates about vaccine availability.
Technical development and support provided by Information Services Department.
";
issue[10192009] = "
October 19, 2009
In this issue...
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Seasonal Flu Vaccine Update - October 19, 2009
It is projected that a total of 114 million doses of seasonal influenza vaccine will be available in the US this influenza season. As of October 2, 2009, about 82 million doses of seasonal flu vaccine have been distributed. This is approximately 72% of the total. More seasonal flu vaccine will become available in the coming weeks.
In Santa Clara County, we are currently experiencing a shortage of the seasonal flu vaccine. This shortage is temporary and a result for increased public demand for the vaccine and a slow down in the manufacturing process because some of the same manufacturers are also producing the H1N1 vaccine. The pandemic H1N1 influenza strain is the predominant virus that is currently circulating in the community, and not the seasonal flu virus. Santa Clara County Health Officer, Marty Fenstersheib, MD, would like to reassure county residents that the delay in receiving seasonal flu vaccine should not have a significant impact on the health of our community. We recommend that you contact your medical provider or commercial pharmacies in your area to check on the availability of the vaccine.
The single best way to protect against the flu is to get vaccinated each year. Seasonal flu is as much of a concern as it has always been and, once more of the vaccine is available, a regular flu shot will protect you and your family from the body aches, cough and misery of seasonal flu. But remember that the seasonal flu vaccine will not protect you against the H1N1 virus.
Anyone who wants to reduce their chances of getting seasonal flu can get vaccinated. However, it is recommended that certain people get vaccinated each year. They are either people who are at high risk of having serious complications from the flu or people who live with or care for those at high risk for serious complications.
Here’s who should get the seasonal flu vaccine each year:
Children aged 6 months up to their 19th birthday;
Pregnant women;
People 50 years of age and older;
People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities ;
People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:
Health care workers;
Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu;
Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months of age (these children are too young to be vaccinated).
And please remember, “ordinary” flu should not to be taken lightly. Each year in the United States, about 200,000 people are hospitalized with severe flu symptoms, and 36,000 die.
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