Since the last week of October, Jackson County Health Department has been providing  2009 H1N1 vaccinations to those who are most vulnerable.  As of November 18, 2009, over 4,600 people have received the vaccine at clinics held by Jackson County Health Department.   Over the next few months, H1N1 vaccine clinics will continue to be conducted at Jackson County Health Department. 
Currently JCHD has a limited supply of flu vaccine and will continue to vaccinate those most at risk of complications from H1N1 flu, which includes:
• pregnant women,
• people who live with or provide care for infants younger than 6 months,
• health care and emergency medical services personnel,
• people 6 months through 24 years of age, and
• people 25 years through 64 years of age who have certain medical conditions associated with a higher risk of influenza complications.
We ask that those not in the most vulnerable groups be patient. Sometime after the first of the year, we hope to offer vaccine to the general public.  By the end of November we will have conducted all of our school-based clinics.  Children under age 10 who have received their first dose of H1N1 vaccine at their school will need to come to Jackson County Health Department for their second dose.  The second dose should be received at least 28 days after the first dose. Vaccine administered by Jackson County Health Department will be free of charge.  We have received supplies of both nasal spray and injectable vaccine.  We also have received preservative-free injectable vaccine for children under three years of age.  The nasal spray is also preservative-free and contains a weakened live virus (similar to other vaccines such as that for measles, mumps and rubella).  Nasal spray is recommended for healthy individuals 2-49 years of age.  Vaccine will also be available through some health care providers and retail sites. Sites other than JCHD may charge an administration fee for the vaccine.  If we must cancel clinics they will be cancelled at least 48 hours in advance.   Updated information on dates, times and locations for H1N1 vaccine clinics will be available at ext. 517 and on our website at www.jchdonline.org.

Jackson County H1N1 Vaccination Clinics
Jackson County Health Department, 415 Health Dept Road (back building) Murphysboro
Saturday, December 5 (Tentative)*  9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Monday December 7 (Tentative)* 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday December 8 (Tentative)* 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday December 14 (Tentative)* 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Tuesday December 15 (Tentative)* 1 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Monday December 21 (Tentative)* 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
(*based on availability of vaccine)
If you are ill or experiencing flu like symptoms, we ask that you not come to the vaccine clinics. Vaccine is not treatment.  For maximum benefit, you should wait until you are well
to receive your vaccine.
Please remember, everyone should continue to take preventive measures and practice good hygiene to avoid becoming sick and spreading illness.  To stay healthy, follow the three Cís:
• Clean - Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
• Cover - Cover your coughs and sneezes by coughing into your elbow, arm or sleeve instead of your hand. This practice can help prevent the spread of illness.
• Contain - Contain your germs by staying home if you are sick. Please stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever without the use of fever-reducing medications. By staying home, you are helping to prevent the spread of the flu. For additional information about H1N1 flu, log onto www.flu.gov or www.ready.illinois.gov or visit our website at www.jchdonline.org. You can also call the Illinois Flu Hotline for answers to individual questions at 1-866-848-2094 for English and 1-866-241-2138 for Spanish. The hotline currently operates from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.