Add H1N1 vaccine to spring break things to do
As local county schools prepare for a long anticipated week off for spring break, Cobb & Douglas Public Health officials are encouraging families with children who are still in need of the second H1N1 vaccine to add a visit to CDPH Immunizations Clinic to the list of important things to do during the upcoming week.
According to Karen Thomas, District Immunization Director, Cobb & Douglas Public Health, it is vitally important that children receive the required two doses of H1N1 vaccine. “The fact that children have been one of the most vulnerable populations affected by H1N1, combined with recent information indicating that Georgia is one of a few states experiencing an increase in regional influenza activity, makes a visit to one of our health centers a good choice of places to visit during the break.
Currently, Georgia is one of five states that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) list with regional influenza activity. While seasonal flu usually runs from October through May, H1N1 is still circulating and may continue for many months. Georgia experienced its first wave last spring and peaked with a second wave in September.
“We aren’t 100 percent sure that a third wave is occurring or will occur, but if there is a third wave it may happen in our state first,” said Dr. Patrick O’Neal, Director of DCH’s Division of Emergency Preparedness & Response. “What we do know is that residents need to continue taking precautions against the flu and seek vaccination if they haven’t been vaccinated.”
Cobb & Douglas Public Health has plenty of vaccine available at all center locations. For more information or clinic hours visit us online at www.cobbanddouglaspublichealth.org.