Ida County Residents Urged to Take Advantage of Plentiful Vaccine

Overall influenza activity in Iowa and the United States has decreased over the past month; 2009 H1N1 influenza remains at low levels, and seasonal influenza has not yet been detected in the state. Horn Public Health reminds residents there is potential for both H1N1 flu and seasonal flu activity to rise and to continue for several more months.

"We want to encourage more people to get vaccinated," said Micki Fischer, Public Health Nurse. "The H1N1 vaccine supply is plentiful and all data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to show the vaccine is safe." To date, Iowa has received more than 1,164,000 doses of the H1N1 influenza vaccine.

H1N1 vaccinations continue to be provided free of charge by Horn Public Health. These free vaccination sites can be found at www.hornmemorialhospital.org or call 364-3311 and ask for the H1N1 information line. Some larger retail pharmacies now have H1N1 vaccine available; however, these pharmacies may charge a fee to administer the H1N1 vaccination.

Ida County residents should continue everyday preventive actions, including covering coughs and sneezes, cleaning hands frequently with soap and water or a hand sanitizing gel, and containing germs by staying home when ill.