Flu vaccines still a good idea

Local News

January 29, 2010

Debbie Blank

H1N1 flu vaccines still are available free to Franklin County residents “and it’s not too late to get them,” Franklin County Health Department supervisor Diane Turney said Jan. 27. Experts are predicting “there could be a third wave of the illness ... around April or so.”

She reminded, “For people who have children 9 and under, they need to get them in for their second doses. We’re not going back to the schools.”

The flu vaccines are being given at the department, 1010 Franklin Ave., Brookville, weekdays from 8:30-9:15 a.m. and 2:30-4 p.m. No appointments are needed. Info: 765-647-4322.

When FCHD workers and volunteers conducted H1N1 public vaccine clinics in 12 townships in December, over 1,983 received protection, according to Turney’s report presented at the Jan. 19 quarterly meeting. By far the one drawing the most persons, over three times the amount of the next highest township, was Ray with 700+.

Other area township attendance figures: Metamora, 132; Salt Creek, 100; and Butler, 86.

Turney, who is a nurse, said the flu prevention effort meant long hours for the staff. “We were here at the office at 8 a.m. and worked the clinics until 7 p.m.,” then put supplies away. “It was like a 12-hour day three days a week.” She still has frustrated feelings because many county residents did not take advantage of the vaccines.

Since the board meeting, the supervisor has hired three temporary part-time workers using H1N1 grant dollars. The six-month positions start Feb. 1. Public health coordinator Carol Monroe will update the county’s pandemic influenza plan, nurse Monica Ariens will assist with vaccines and clerical aide Jessica Andre will help Turney with grant records and deadlines. “There’s a possibility Carol’s position may continue if we get more funding.”

Debbie Blank can be contacted at 812-934-4343, Ext. 113; or debbie.blank@ batesvilleheraldtribune.com.