Press Release

Contact:  Judy McLaughlin, 244-7134 ext.21

Contact:  Judy McLaughlin, 244-7134 ext.21

NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

March 17, 2010

JEFFERSON COUNTY HEALTH DEPT TO HOST STAY WELL HEALTH FAIR

Mt. Vernon- In an effort to promote staying healthy during flu season and throughout the year, the Jefferson County Health Department will be open to the public on Saturday, March 27^th from 9:00 am – 4:00 pm for a STAY WELL Health Fair.  There will be healthy snacks featuring foods from our nutrition program and displays set up that represent the various programs at the health department. 

The nursing staff will be giving H1N1 flu vaccinations and also seasonal flu vaccinations that day.  The H1N1 vaccine is a free vaccine, but the seasonal flu vaccine is $25.  This will be the last chance to get a seasonal flu vaccine at the health department until next flu season.  Vaccination and education are the best defense to prevent the flu.

The CDC estimates H1N1 has killed up to 17,000 people in the US alone.  Both the CDC and World Health Organization say people who have not been vaccinated should still get an H1N1 vaccine. Prevention is the key to staying well and this includes getting vaccinated, eating healthy and remembering the 3 C’s:  Cover your cough, Clean your hands and Contain your germs by staying home when you are sick.  STAY WELL kits and free samples of hand sanitizer will be given to the first 200 people who attend the STAY WELL Health Fair.

The environmental health division will be showing proper hand washing technique and demonstrations using Glo-Germ, a powder that glows under ultraviolet light.  This program is offered by request.  Also, information on private sewage disposal systems, food service establishments, including temporary events, private water wells and mosquito control and surveillance will be provided.