Collin County Department of Homeland Security 4300 Community Avenue McKinney, Texas 75071 homelandsecurity@collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 8, 2010

HEALTH ADVISORY: CDC Advises It’s Not Too Late to Get Flu Vaccine!

(McKINNEY, Texas) – One year after the H1N1 influenza was first identified, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reminds people that getting vaccinated is the most important step in protecting against the flu virus. The Southeast United States is experiencing continued regional activity with the majority of flu being 2009 H1N1. CDC officials recommend everyone 6 months of age and older be vaccinated for H1N1 and seasonal flu. Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of serious complications from H1N1, including people with certain chronic health conditions, pregnant women, the very young, and those 65 years and older.

Only one-third of people in the United States considered at high risk of developing H1N1 have been vaccinated, according to the CDC. Those at highest-risk for complications from H1N1 flu include:

• Children younger than 5 years old, especially those under 2 years old
• Adults aged 65 years or older
• Pregnant women
• Persons with the following medical conditions: cancer; blood disorders, including sickle cell disease; chronic lung disease, including asthma or chronic pulmonary disease (COPD); diabetes; heart disease; kidney disorders; liver disorders; neurological disorders, including nervous system, brain or spinal cord; neuromuscular disorders, including muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis; and weakened immune systems, including people with AIDS.

All children less than 10 years old should get the CDC-recommended two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine approximately 28 days apart. Children less than 10 years old who have only received one dose of vaccine should still receive a second dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

The public is encouraged to get vaccinated, either by their primary physicians, at one of six vaccine locations partnering with Collin County Health Care Services, or at other venues offering H1N1 vaccine. Most insurance plans including Medicare, Medicaid and CHIP will reimburse administrative fees for vaccinations. There are six Collin County locations where people can receive H1N1 vaccine for no charge. They are the Children & Community Health Center of McKinney, Collin County Adult Clinic in Plano, and, PrimaCare locations in Frisco, McKinney, Plano and west Plano.

Everyday preventative actions people can take to help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory illness include:

• Get vaccinated for both the seasonal flu and H1N1 influenza.
• Stay home when sick. Travel only when you feel well.
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you or your child gets sick with a respiratory illness like flu, limit contact with others as much as possible to help prevent spreading illness. Stay home (or keep your child home) for at least 24 hours after fever is gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

For further information: Collin County website at www.collincountytx.gov and Collin County Facebook and Twitter sites; the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) Texas Flu Vaccine Locator at www.Texasflu.org; DSHS H1N1 information lines available by calling “2-1-1”; or, calling Collin County Health Care Services at (972) 548-5500.

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