Collin County Health Care Services 825 N. McDonald Street, Suite 130 McKinney, Texas 75069 hc@collincountytx.gov

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 16, 2010

HEALTH ADVISORY: “Wipe Out” Meningitis and Flu – Donate Baby Wipes for Vaccine!

(McKINNEY, Texas) – In recognition of World Meningitis Day, Collin County Health Care Services is offering free Meningococcal Meningitis, seasonal and H1N1 influenza vaccinations to children in exchange for donations of baby wipes or disinfecting wipes. Vaccines will be available from April 19-30, 2010.

• Meningococcal Meningitis vaccine for children between 11 years and under 18 years old will be offered for a suggested donation of one package of baby wipes or disinfecting wipes.
   
• Seasonal influenza vaccine for children 3 years to fewer than 18 years of age will be provided for a suggested donation of one package of baby wipes or disinfecting wipes. Two doses of seasonal flu vaccine, one month apart, is needed for children 6 months through 9 years of age if this is the first time the child is receiving flu vaccine.
   
• H1N1 vaccinations for children 6 months to fewer than 18 years of age will be offered for a suggested donation of one package of baby wipes or disinfecting wipes. All children less than 10 years old should get the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC) recommended two doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine approximately 28 days apart. Children under 10 years old who have only received one dose of vaccine should get a second dose of 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
   
• Children may receive Meningococcal Meningitis, seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccines in the same visit.

The CDC recommends every child receive Meningococcal Meningitis, seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines. Only one-third of people in the United States considered at high risk for 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; and, persons with chronic medical conditions.

All donations of baby wipes and disinfecting wipes will be donated to charitable organizations serving people who live in Collin County.

Vaccinations will be provided at the Collin County Health Care Services clinic located at 825 N. McDonald Street in McKinney. The clinic is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parents are asked to bring their child’s vaccination records.

For more information, visit the 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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