H1N1 activity lulls
Residents still urged to take advantage of plentiful vaccineOverall influenza activity in Iowa and the United States has decreased in the past month; 2009 H1N1 influenza remains at low levels and seasonal flu has not yet been detected in the state, according to health officials. However, there is a potential for both H1N1 flu and seasonal flu activity to rise and continue for several more months.
This week is National Influenza Vaccination Week, a perfect time, according to health officials to get flu shots.
"We want to encourage people to get vaccinated," said Shelby Kroona, Hamilton County Public Health administrator. "H1N1 vaccine supply is plentiful and all data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continue to show the vaccine is safe."
To date, Iowa has received more than 1,164,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine. Kroona said Hamilton County has delivered 4,100 doses. The for the county remains 7,000 doses, she said.
H1N1 vaccines continue to be offered free of charge through public health. Kroona said some retail pharmacies now have H1N1 vaccine available, but there may be a charge for these flu shots.
Walk-in clinics are held at the public health office, 821 Seneca St.,through January on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sunday, Jan. 24.
Clinics are also planned for Mondays, Thursdays and Friday in February, and Feb. 7 and 21. For more information, call 832-9565.
