H1N1 Update for Iowa

KRHC Community Health Ready for Flu Season
Preparations include September flu vaccinations

Kossuth Regional Health Center public health officials say they are ready for the coming flu season. “We are working closely with the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH),” said Dixie Meyer of KRHC Community Health. “On the local level, we are coordinating with schools and businesses to keep residents healthy and minimize the potential impact of the flu.”

There are many things area residents can do to protect themselves, their families, and their communities from the seasonal and H1N1 influenza virus.  Meyer says residents should receive the seasonal influenza vaccine now and, if appropriate, get the H1N1 vaccine when it is expected to become available by mid-October.

Upcoming flu vaccine clinics include:

• Monday, September 21 from 7 to 10 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Algona and from noon to 1 p.m. at the Titonka School.
• Tuesday, September 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the KRHC Clinic in Algona
• Thursday, September 24 from 8 to 8:30 a.m. at NSK Sentral, noon to 1 p.m. at NSK Swea City and 3 to 6 p.m. in the Bancroft EMS Room.  The KRHC Clinic in Algona will also offer vaccines from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

The Tuesday and Thursday night walk in flu vaccine clinics will continue at the KRHC Clinic in Algona until October 1.  For all clinics, no appointment is necessary.  If you plan to bill the vaccine to insurance, please bring a copy of your insurance card.  Cost of the vaccine is $27 for flu shots and $45 for flu mist.

In addition to getting your flu vaccine, it’s important to remember the three Cs:

• Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your elbow.
• Clean your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer.
• Contain germs by staying home when ill.

A statewide toll-free hotline has been established for public questions about seasonal and H1N1 influenza at 1-800-447-1985. More information can also be found at www.idph.state.ia.us.