Legislative Update - November 2009

Staying Healthy During Flu Season

With the unseasonably hot weather we’ve had lately, it might be hard to believe that flu season is upon us.  But the reality is that even with our mild winters, we’re not immune to the flu.  So I thought it would be a good idea to update you with the latest information about both seasonal flu and H1N1, including steps you can take to keep you and your family healthy and where to go for vaccinations.
 
Tips to Help You Stay Healthy During Flu Season
The Centers for Disease Control and the Florida Department of Health recommend taking the following steps to prevent the spread of the influenza virus:
 
Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it, and wash your hands with soap and water.
 
Wash your hands often with soap and water often, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
 
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
 
If you are sick with a flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.)
 
While you are sick, keep away from others as much as possible. This is to prevent you from making others sick.
 
For more tips that will help you avoid getting sick this flu season, visit the CDC’s website at www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/, or the Florida Department of Health’s website at www.myflusafety.com.  You can also call the Florida Department of Health’s Flu Information Line toll-free at (877) 352-3581.
 
Where to Get Vaccinations
Regular seasonal flu shots are available at your doctor’s office, area walk-in clinics and at some pharmacies and stores.  Check with individual providers to see if they offer vaccinations, and if there is any fee for the shot.
 
H1N1 Vaccines are available for people who are in certain high-risk groups, including pregnant women, health care workers, anyone age 6 months to 24 years old, and people between ages 25-64 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza related illness.  Individual doctors’ offices and hospitals in Broward have received vaccines for use with these high risk groups only.
 
The Broward County Health Department has also set up an immunization clinic for people in high-risk groups who cannot get the vaccine from their doctor.  No appointment is required, but vaccination will be provided on a first come, first served basis.  Currently, you MUST be in a high-risk group in order to receive the vaccine at this clinic.
 
Broward County Health Department
High Risk H1N1 Vaccination Clinic
Northwest Health Center
624 NW 15th Way
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33311
8 AM to 4 PM, Monday – Friday
(954) 467-4705
 
H1N1 Vaccines in Schools
The Broward County Health Department is working with the Broward County School Board to ensure that H1N1 vaccines are available to all children who attend Broward public schools.  Vaccinations are voluntary, and children will only be vaccinated with written parental permission.  For more information about school-based vaccines, please call (954) 762-3797.  H1N1 vaccines have also been made available to private and charter schools that choose to offer vaccinations to their students.  Parents of private and charter school students should contact their schools for further information.
 
H1N1 Vaccines for the General Public
As I’m sure you’ve heard through news reports, there is a shortage of the H1N1 vaccine because it is taking longer to produce than originally expected.  In the coming weeks, however, vaccine will become available for the general public.  Since flu season doesn’t hit its peak until January each year, it will still be beneficial to be vaccinated.  Vaccine will be supplied to doctors’ offices, clinics, and the same stores and pharmacies that provide seasonal flu shots.
 
Are seasonal flu and H1N1 vaccines safe?
Flu vaccines are considered safe for people with healthy immune systems, although there are some groups of people who should not receive seasonal flu or H1N1 vaccines, including people who are allergic to chicken eggs, children under six months of age, people who have had an allergic reaction in the past to a flu shot or people who have developed a very rare condition called Guillian-Barré syndrome (GBS) after a flu shot.  Again, if you have any concerns about the safety of these vaccines, you should consult your own doctor, or contact the Florida Department of Health Flu Information Line at (877) 352-3581.
 
As always, I welcome your comments and questions on this issue – or on any issue related to Florida government.  Feel free to contact my office at (954) 747-7933 or by e-mail at rich.nan.web@flsenate.gov.
 

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	Senator Rich Addressing Seniors at the Daniel Canter Senior Center
	Nan Rich with Gradutes of Weston University
	Senator Rich with the Final Graduting Class of Weston University 2010

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