Wednesday, February 3, 2010 8:00 AM – Press Release
H1N1 free vaccination clinics news

The Shelby County Health Department Vaccination Planning Group has planned free H1N1 Vaccinations for February. These vaccinations are free to anyone 6 months of age and older. There is no charge for the vaccine or the administration of the vaccine. Both injectable and nasal vaccines will be available.

February has often been a very active month for influenza. The Indiana State Department of Health and the Shelby County Health Department recommend that everyone over 6 months of age be vaccinated against H1N1 influenza.

There will be an H1N1 vaccination clinic Thursday February 4th from 2:00PM to 7:00PM at the Shelby County Health Department 1600 East State Road 44, Shelbyville. This is the only evening clinic currently scheduled.

Beginning Monday February 8th free H1N1 vaccinations will be available at the Health Department on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday from 7:30AM to 11:00AM and from 1:00PM to 4:30PM. This schedule will be in effect for the month of February. If your schedule conflicts with these open walk in clinic times, call the Health Department at 317-392-6470 to schedule an appointment

Parents needing to get a second vaccination for their child should bring the vaccination record card they received at the child’s first vaccination. All children under 10 years old need a second vaccination. The second vaccination cannot be given sooner than 28 days after the child’s first vaccination.

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent who can sign the consent form for them.

The latest information about Shelby County H1N1 Clinics and the current status of the H1N1 Pandemic will always be available at the SCHD website: www.schd.net.

Wednesday, January 5, 2010 8:00 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics news

Free Health Department H1N1 Vaccination Clinics

The Shelby County Health Department Vaccination Planning Group has planned free H1N1 Vaccinations for January. These vaccinations are free to anyone 6 months of age and older. Children under 6 months old cannot be vaccinated. Both injectable and nasal vaccines will be available.

There will be an H1N1 vaccination clinic Thursday January 7th from 2:00PM to 6:00PM at the Shelby County Health Department 1600 East State Road 44, Shelbyville.

Beginning Monday January 11th free H1N1 vaccinations will be available at the Health Department daily Monday through Thursday from 7:30AM to 11:00AM and from 1:00PM to 4:30PM. On Thursdays, vaccinations will be available until 7:00PM. This schedule will be in effect for the month of January.

There will also be a free H1N1 vaccination clinic on Saturday January 16th from 10:00AM to 2:00PM at the Health Department.

The Health Department will be closed on Monday January 18th.

Parents needing to get a second vaccination for their child should bring the vaccination record card they received at the child’s first vaccination. All children under 10 years old need a second vaccination. The second vaccination cannot be given sooner than 28 days after the child’s first vaccination.

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent who can sign the consent form for them.

The latest information about Shelby County H1N1 Clinics and the current status of the H1N1 Pandemic will always be available at the SCHD website: www.schd.net.


Wednesday, December 16, 2009 9:00 AM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics news

December H1N1 and Seasonal Vaccination Clinics

The Shelby County Health Department Vaccination Planning Group is completing the H1N1 in-school elementary clinics this week and has planned future clinics for vaccination with both seasonal and H1N1 Flu vaccines.  We are nearing our goal of vaccinating every child in Shelby County whose parent signed a consent form for them to receive the H1N1 vaccine.

There will be three more open H1N1 vaccination clinics at the Shelby County Health Department 1600 East State Road 44, Shelbyville in December. All three of these clinics will be open to anyone over 6 months old.  Children under 6 months old cannot be vaccinated.  Both injectable and nasal vaccines will be available. These vaccinations are free.
 
The first clinic will take place on Saturday December 19th from 8:00AM to 2:00PM, the second will be on Tuesday December 22nd from 2:00PM to 7:00PM and the third will be on Tuesday December 29th from 2:00PM to 7:00PM.

Parents needing to get a second vaccination for their child should bring the vaccination record card they received at the child’s first vaccination.  All children under 10 years old need a second vaccination.  The second vaccination cannot be given sooner than 28 days after the child’s first vaccination. 

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent who can sign the consent form for them.

The final Seasonal Flu vaccination clinic will take place this Thursday from 7:30AM to 11:00AM or while supplies last at the Shelby County Health department. The Health Department received only a limited amount of the seasonal Flu vaccine.  This clinic is only for Shelby County residents 18 years and older.

Visit the SCHD website at www.schd.net for current information about Shelby County H1N1 Clinics and the current status of the H1N1 Pandemic.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 1:00 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics news
On Saturday 21st November 2009 the Shelby County Health Department Vaccination Planning Group will again coordinate H1N1 vaccination clinics at five Shelby County School sites. These clinics are only for children from 6 months to 12th grade.

These clinics will be held at Morristown High School, Waldron High School, Southwestern Elementary School, Triton High School and Shelbyville High School. If your child is not in a school daycare center or is home schooled and is in the age / grade range for this clinic, you can bring your child to the school clinic in your area for vaccination.

All clinics are scheduled for 8:00AM to 10:00AM. Clinics will stay open until all children are treated or we have exhausted our vaccine supply.

Parents who have previously signed vaccination consent forms for their children can pick them up at their school site and get their child vaccinated. The consent forms signed by parents of children at the Shelbyville Central Schools; Coulston, Loper, Hendricks, and the St. Joseph School can pick up their consent forms at the Shelbyville High School clinic site.

Parents who have not previously signed consent forms can pick up a vaccine Information sheet and vaccination consent form at the clinic at their school, sign it and have their child vaccinated. Only a parent or legal guardian can sign the vaccination consent form. The legal guardian must provide documentation of their ability to sign consent for the child.

Children under ten years old will require a second dose sometime after 28 days after the first dose was received.  Parents of those children should call their doctor or the health department to receive a second dose.  Right now our limited supply is being used to do first vaccinations.

Parents should bring their child’s vaccination record if they have one.

All children will be vaccinated with the injectable vaccine unless the parent requests the nasal vaccine.

To receive the nasal vaccine a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child, read the Vaccine Information Sheet for the nasal vaccine and sign a consent form for the nasal vaccine.

No parents or school staff will be vaccinated. The only exception is for pregnant women who wish to be vaccinated.

Children with severe colds or who have a temperature of 100 degrees cannot be vaccinated.

Vaccination of the other CDC target groups will follow as vaccine deliveries allow.

Visit the SCHD website at www.schd.net for current information about Shelby County H1N1 Clinics and the current status of the H1N1 Pandemic or to print a consent form.

Sunday, November 15, 2009 4:00 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics news
The Shelby County Health Department held five school H1N1 vaccination clinics this past weekend. These were held at Morristown High School, Waldron High School, Southwestern Elementary, Triton High School and Shelbyville High School. A total of 2,400 doses were dispensed. This represents about one fourth of the Shelby county school population.  These clinics were staffed by personnel from the Health Department, Major Hospital, Shelbyville Fire Department, Shelby County Emergency Management, and Shelby County school staff and volunteers.

The next vaccine distribution will again focus on schoolchildren. More details will be available later in the week as more vaccine arrives.

Vaccine deliveries continue to be much lower than originally predicted and as of Saturday there was no vaccine available to order. The Health Department hopes to receive more vaccine next week.  When vaccine is received the Vaccination Planning Group will finalize plans for a clinic or clinics focusing again on school children.

The latest H1N1 vaccination clinic information will always be announced here at this website.

Tuesday, November 10, 2009 7:00 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics news
On Saturday 14 November 2009 the Shelby County Health Department Vaccination Planning Group will coordinate H1N1 vaccination clinics at five Shelby County School sites.

These clinics will be held at Morristown High School, Waldron High School, Southwestern Elementary School, Triton High School and the Shelby Central High School. They will immunize all children from 6 months to children in the 12th grade. This change in plans is due to the change in vaccine deliveries. Vaccine deliveries continue to be very uncertain and less than a third of the original projections.

The Shelby Central site is scheduled for 9:00 AM to noon. The other clinics are scheduled for 9:00AM to 11:00AM. Clinics will stay open until all children are treated or we have exhausted our vaccine supply. We plan to have another set of clinics at the schools next Saturday, November 21st for the same population.

Parents who have previously signed vaccination consent forms for their children can pick them up at their schools and get their child vaccinated. The consent forms signed by parents of children at the Shelby Central Grade Schools; Coulston, Loper, Hendricks, and the St. Joseph School can pick up their consent forms at the Shelby Central High School clinic site.

Parents who have not previously signed consent forms can pick up a Vaccine Information Sheet  and vaccination consent form (both also available on this website) at the clinic at their school, sign it and have their child vaccinated. Only a parent or legal guardian can sign the vaccination consent form. The legal guardian must provide documentation of their ability to sign consent for the child.

Parents should bring their child’s vaccination record if they have one.

All children will be vaccinated with the injectable vaccine. Pregnant parents and staff will also receive the injectable vaccine.

All other parents and school staff who wish to be vaccinated will be offered only Flumist H1N1, a nasal vaccine. This vaccine is recommended only for parents and staff under 50 years old who are in good health and not pregnant.

If your child is not in a school daycare center or is home schooled and is in the age / grade range for this clinic, you can bring your child to the school clinic in your area for vaccination.

Children with severe colds or who have a temperature of 100 degrees cannot be vaccinated.

Vaccination of the other CDC target groups will follow as vaccine deliveries allow.

Visit the SCHD website at http://www.schd.net for current information about Shelby County H1N1 Clinics and the current status of the H1N1 Pandemic.


Sunday, November 8, 2009 9:00 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics news
 The Shelby County Health Department held two H1N1 vaccination clinics this past weekend, one on Friday afternoon and the other on Saturday. Both were at the Health Department offices. The clinics were for the CDC target groups. At Friday afternoon’s clinic only the Flumist vaccine was dispensed while Saturday’s clinic offered both the nasal and injectable forms of the vaccine. Neither clinic was heavily attended. Less that 150 people were immunized on Friday evening and fewer than 400 people were treated at Saturday’s clinic.

The clinics stayed open until everyone in line was vaccinated. Clients who attended had very short waits due to an efficient vaccination process staffed by personnel from the Health Department, Major Hospital, Shelbyville Fire Department, Shelby County Emergency Management and some local volunteers.

The next clinic will focus on schoolchildren. More details will be available later in the week as more vaccine arrives.  Vaccine deliveries continue to be much lower than originally predicted causing the SCHD vaccination planning group to revise the schedule and location for future clinics.

H1N1 influenza activity remains very high - Please consider the safety of yourself and family and get vaccinated.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009 9:30 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinics
The Shelby County Health Department continues to receive H1N1 vaccines, but like all other counties in Indiana, in much smaller quantities than originally forecast by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.  In response to this change, our vaccination planning group will conduct a variety of clinics focused on people in the CDC priority groups.

Our supply of injectable vaccine continues to be very limited.  We have a larger supply of the nasally administered vaccine.

On Friday, 6 November, the SCHD will host an open H1N1 vaccination clinic at the Shelby County Health Department, 1600 East State Road 44 from 3:00pm to 7:00pm offering the Nasal version of H1N1 vaccine only.

This nasal vaccine is only for non-pregnant healthy people from 2 to 49 years of age. It is not recommended for children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing during the past year or anyone with a diagnosis of asthma.

This Friday’s flu mist only clinic is only for:

Babies and children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can give consent.


Saturday, 7 November, the SCHD will host an open H1N1 vaccination clinic at the Shelby County Health Department, 1600 East State Road 44 from 9:00am to 3:00pm offering the both the injectable and nasal versions of H1N1 vaccine.

This Saturday’s clinic is only for:

•    Pregnant women
•    Children and adults who live with or provide daily care for infants under 6 months old (e.g., parents, brothers, sisters and daycare providers)
•    Health-care and emergency medical services personnel who have direct contact with patients or infectious material
•    Children aged 6 months to 4 year
•    Children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications such as cancer, diabetes or asthma.

Babies and children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can give consent.    

School based vaccination clinics will start on November 14th if vaccine supplies allow.  More details will be available about the school clinics when supplies are assured. 

Vaccination of the general population will follow as vaccine deliveries allow.   


Sunday, November 1, 2009 6:30 PM – Press Release
H1N1 vaccination clinic
Saturday, October 31st, the Shelby County Health Department held an H1N1 vaccination clinic at the Health Department offices for pregnant women, children from six months to four years old, and household contacts and daily caregivers of babies under six months.

The clinic stayed open until everyone in line was vaccinated. The average wait for a vaccination was less than 20 minutes thanks to an efficient vaccination process staffed by personnel from the Health Department, Major Hospital, Shelbyville Fire Department, Shelby County Emergency Management, Shelbyville police department, and some local volunteers.

Only a few people had long waits, mainly those who showed up at 7:00 AM for the clinic scheduled to start at 9:00AM.

Four hundred and fifty people came to the clinic despite the fact that census data indicates there are 1,800 people in the county that fall into the target groups.

Future clinics will focus on the same people as well as other segments of the priority groups such as children and adolescents aged 5 to 18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications such as asthma.

Vaccination of the general population of school children will follow as vaccine deliveries allow.

Vaccine deliveries continue to be much lower than originally predicted causing the SCHD vaccination planning group to revise the schedule and location for future clinics.


Wednesday, October 28, 2009 3:00 PM – Press Release
SCHD to offer H1N1 vaccine clinic for subset of high risk groups
The Shelby County Health Department continues to receive H1N1 vaccines, but like all other counties in Indiana, in much smaller quantities than originally forecast by the CDC. In response to this change, our vaccination planning group will conduct clinics focused on a subset of the CDC priority groups.

This Saturday, 31 October, the SCHD will open an H1N1 vaccination clinic at the Shelby County Health Department, 1600 East State Road 44 from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM or while supplies last for the following at risk members of Shelby County:

Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian who can give consent.

Future clinics will focus on other segments of the priority groups such as children and adolescents aged 5--18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications. Vaccination of the general population of school children will follow as vaccine deliveries allow.

(Please see map at bottom of this page.  Please park in the shopping center parking lot, not at Key Bank.)


Monday, October 26, 2009 10:00 AM – H1N1 Priority Groups
As was discussed and shown on the slides at Tuesday's informational meeting at the Strand, the highest priority groups, when vaccine is in limited supply, are shown again below.  The Health Department will be targeting these groups for vaccination until vaccine supplies increase.  The supply continues to run significantly below proposed.


Sunday, October 25, 2009 11:00 AM – President Declares National Emergency
President Obama declares national emergency due to H1N1 influenza
The Fox59 News video covering the emergency declaration can be seen here.

Sunday, October 18, 2009 6:00 PM – H1N1 Public Meeting
Latest plans for Shelby County antivirals and vaccines
 The Shelby County Health Department and our community partners will share information about the H1N1 flu on Tuesday evening at 7:00pm at the Strand Theatre. We will present information about the status of the flu and the vaccine. Other topics include information about where and when the vaccine will be available to the various CDC target priority groups, and other measures taken by the Health Department and our county partners to minimize the effects of the flu. You will also receive information about how you can protect yourself and your family from this threat. We will also share information about the use of antivirals to reduce the severity of the infection.

Please join us on Tuesday Evening at 7:00pm at the Strand Theatre and do your part to help reduce the effects of this outbreak.

Friday, October 16, 2009 8:30 PM – Weekly Flu Update
Cases rise rapidly and surpass usual peak flu season
Key Flu Indicators

Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView. During the week of October 4-10, 2009, a review of the key indicators found that influenza activity continued to increase in the United States from the previous week. Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators:


Friday, October 16, 2009 12:00 PM – School Attendance
Shelbyville Central school attendance remains good
In contrast to various rumors, Shelby Central school attendance remains excellent.  Thursday, Shelbyville Central attendance indicated that only 7% were out due to illness.  There have been unfounded rumors that school attendance at Hendricks Elementary has been a problem.  The fact is that Thursday’s absenteeism only included 8 students out with the flu out of 653 enrolled, or 1.23% out with the flu.


Shelby County school administrations and the health department monitor attendance very carefully on a daily basis.  Either the school administration or the health officer could close a school if it was determined that education could no longer be effectively provided or that an undue public health risk exists.  To date, no such determination exists.  Arrangements are being made for school vaccination clinics in the near future.  A Letter to Parents and other information about the vaccine is available on this website.


To date we have received limited vaccine, and this must be used for the highest priority groups as specified by the CDC.  We are initially vaccinating first responders, heath care workers, and others in the highest risk groups.  Please be patient, and watch this website and local media for further announcements.


Wednesday, October 14, 2009 12:00 PM - PRESS RELEASE
Shelby County receives first H1N1 vaccines
The Shelby County Health Department received our first shipment of H1N1 vaccine Tuesday.. These first doses will be distributed to the CDC specified highest priority groups:  &nbsppregnant women, children aged 6 months to 4 years, health care workers and first responders who have direct contact with patients or infectious material, children and adolescents aged 5–18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications, and persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months. (Infants under 6 months cannot be vaccinated.)

These first doses will be dispensed to the priority groups at Major Family Medicine, Shelbyville Pediatrics, Southeast Indiana OB/GYN, and the Shelby Community Clinic. County first responders and healthcare providers will also receive the vaccines.

As soon as we receive more vaccine, we will schedule a clinic at the Shelby County Health Department. This clinic will be by advance reservation for people who are in the initial CDC priority groups. For more information about protecting your family and yourself from the 2009 A/H1N1 (Swine) flu see the Shelby County Health Department website: www.schd.net.


Monday, October 12, 2009 11:00 PM
Local  Public Health Coordinator (LPHC) to meet with county school officials
George Horning, LPHC, will be meeting over the next week with county school officials to ensure a smooth plan for H1N1 vaccination clinics at local schools as vaccines are made available to Shelby County.  Before their child can be vaccinated, parents will need to read the vaccine information sheet (VIS) and sign a consent.  The VIS for each type of vaccine is available on this website.  The consent forms will also be available on this website soon.  For some ages, a parent will need to be present for the vaccination.  Complete details regarding these clinics will be available on this website when available.

Friday, October 9, 2009 9:40 PM - PRESS RELEASE
Expected shipment of H1N1 vaccine was not received today as expected
Shelby County did not receive their scheduled shipment of H1N1 vaccine this week. During a call to ISDH on Friday afternoon we were told that the distributor’s contract allows them two weeks to deliver the vaccine but they are trying to deliver the vaccine as quickly as possible. We called some other County Health departments and found that some of them either did not receive their vaccine or did not receive the scheduled amounts.

The state does not provide any means for the Health Departments to track these shipments so we are not sure when the vaccine will arrive. We hope it will arrive next week. We and our distribution partners in Shelby County are ready to dispense the vaccine as soon as it arrives.

We will initially administer vaccines to the CDC-specified priority groups: pregnant women, children aged 5 months to 4 years, health care workers and first responders who have direct contact with patients or infectious material, children and adolescents aged 5–18 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications, and persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months (infants under 6 months cannot be vaccinated).

Unfortunately the first doses are scheduled to consist of only live attenuated intranasal vaccine (LAIV), only approved for non-pregnant healthy people from 2 to 49 years of age. This means that it cannot be given to infants from 6 months to 2 years, pregnant women, or those with medical conditions that fail to meet certain specified guidelines.

As soon as the vaccine arrives and we know for sure how much vaccine of the various types are on hand, we will let Shelby County residents know where and when they can receive the vaccine.

Thursday, June 11 2009 5:50 PM
The World Health Organization Raised the Pandemic Alert Level to 6 (Pandemic) today.
You can read WHO Director Margaret Chan's full statement here.

Thursday, June 11 2009 5:50 PM
Updated statistics for Indiana

The Indiana State Department of Health reports 28 new confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 influenza A, which brings the total number of confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 flu in Indiana to 201, with the following county breakdown:

There has been a total of 13 hospitalizations associated with the novel H1N1 influenza A virus in Indiana since April 20, 2009. There are currently no reported deaths associated with the novel H1N1 influenza A virus in Indiana.  

 

The World Health Organization told its member nations it has decided to raise the pandemic alert level from phase 5 to 6, meaning a global outbreak of the novel H1N1 influenza A has begun; the first global flu epidemic in 41 years.

 

"A level 6 means the virus has spread globally, but does not mean the H1N1 flu is now causing more serious illness," said State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.  "This declaration does not change our message to Hoosiers, which is to stay calm and practice normal precautions to avoid influenza and other respiratory diseases.  If you have milder symptoms of influenza, we advise you to stay home and contact your health care provider for advice."

 

The Indiana State Department of Health will report any new confirmed cases of H1N1 once per week after Noon every Thursday.  The public can visit the www.IN.gov/flufor more information about the novel H1N1 outbreak. 

Friday, May 8, 2009 3:13 PM
Latest Indiana county breakdown of H1N1 cases
The total number of confirmed cases of  H1N1 flu in Indiana is now 36, with the following county breakdown:

Wednesday, May 6, 2009 5:51 PM
Latest Indiana county breakdown of H1N1 cases
This brings the total number of cases of the novel H1N1 flu in Indiana to 28, with the following county breakdown:

Tuesday, May 5, 2009 4:49 PM
CDC issues new guidance on school closings
The CDC has relaxed its recommendations on school closings.  They no longer recommend considering closure for schools in which a case of H1N1 flu is confirmed.  As always, the final decision rests with local authorities.  At this time, SCHD has no plans to close Shelby County schools.  This is primarily because the virus is not causing unusually severe influenza at this time.


Still no positive tests in Shelby County
The Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) today reported 12 new confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 flu in the following counties: Hendricks (1), Lake (2), Marion (5), Porter (1), Putnam (1), St. Joseph (1), and Tippecanoe (1).  Health officials say because the ISDH Labs were able to start confirming cases this week, the agency was able to start getting caught up on testing.  That brings the total number of confirmed cases of the novel H1N1 flu in Indiana to 15.

Monday, May 4, 2009 4:30 PM
Still no positive tests in Shelby County
All screens done over the weekend at Major Hospital were negative for Influenza A or B.  Several other samples collected in physician offices were sent out, and results are still pending.  SCHD has not received any confirmed positive tests for H1N1 swine flu.  We do not have any information at this time regarding test results for any Shelby County residents that might have been tested outside our county.  Those results should be be reported by the responsible entity to SCHD if they are positive, and any positive results will be reported here.  HIPAA regulations will preclude releasing patient names or other identifying information.
Parents of school-age children should make contingency plans for school closure possibility
The CDC recommends that parents make "what if" plans for their children in case of school closure.  The CDC reminds parents that when/if schools are closed, there will be little, if any, advance notice.  However, the CDC may be revising their recommendations regarding school closures, so stay tuned for further information.

Saturday, May 2, 2009 Stop all hand-shaking
State Health Commissioner Judith Monroe earlier this week asked all of Indiana to stop shaking hands.  This comes to mind particularly as many churches have greeters who check hundreds of hands every Sunday.  Please refrain from shaking hands!  This is an extremely efficient way to transmit the flu virus!  Instead, use a big smile from 6 feet away or bump elbows.

Human/North American Influenza was confirmed in Marion County yesterday.

Friday, May 1, 2009 10:00 AM
Additional influenza cases confirmed in Indiana
Indiana is now reporting 3 confirmed cases, and 11 suspected cases of Human/North American Influenza A.

Thursday, April 30, 2009 3:12 PM
Shelby County Receives Initial Shipment of Antivirals
Shelby County has received our initial shipment of antivirals from the Strategic National Stockpile.  These are secured by law enforcement.  They will only be used when other supplies have been exhausted.  Antivirals from the SNS cannot be given without a physician's visit and diagnosis.  They cannot be used prophylactically at this time.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 4:20 PM
World Health Organization Upgrades Pandemic Alert to Level 5
The World Health Organization has just upgraded the Pandemic Influenza Phase to Phase 5. A Phase 5 is characterized by human-to-human spread of the virus into at least two countries in one WHO region. While most countries will not be affected at this stage, the declaration of Phase 5 is a strong signal that a pandemic is imminent and that the time to finalize the organization, communication, and implementation of the planned mitigation measures is short.  The State EOC remains at the current activation level, and is gathering information and coordinating with all Local, State and Federal partners. The Indiana Department of Homeland Security Watch Desk will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates, if warranted. 

Wednesday, April 29, 2009 7:21 AM
U.S. has first confirmed death from Human/North American (H1N1) Influenza A [swine flu]
National media is reporting the death of a 23-month-old child in Texas from swine flu.  Preventative recommendations have not changed.   The State Health Commissioner Dr. Judith Monroe and Shelby County Health Officer Dr. John Fleming are recommending that patients discuss the currency of their usual immunizations with their primary care provider.  In particular, patients should discuss whether their pneumonia vaccination is up to date.  Some influenza complications result from secondarily acquired bacterial pneumonia, and the pneumonia vaccine (PNEUMOVAX) can be helpful if not contraindicated for you.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:57 PM
Indiana has first confirmed case of Human/North American (H1N1) Influenza A [formerly swine flu]
State Health Commissioner Judith Monroe announced at a press conference this morning that one case of Human/North American flu has been confirmed in northern Indiana.

The Shelby County Board of Health had it's regularly scheduled quarterly meeting this evening.  Local Public Health Coordinator George Horning reviewed and updated the Board on the county's pandemic flu preparedness plans.  The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is now operational in Indianapolis.  Antiviral medications are enroute from the Strategic National Stockpile to Indiana.  These will be stored in a location secured by law enforcement until they can be dispensed to hospitals and local physician offices.  We can't say it too often:  To avoid endangering yourself or others, 1) Wash your hands frequently, (2) Don't shake hands, (3) Cover any cough or sneeze with your elbow/sleeve, and 4) Stay home if you are ill, except to travel to your physician's office.  Especially if you have a cough and/or a sore throat and a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, you should be evaluated by your primary care provider as soon as possible.

In other business, the Board approved funds for the Shelby County D.A.R.E. program for 2009.  Reports were given for the administrative, nursing, and environmental divisions, and Business Manager and sanitarian Robert Lewis gave a photo presentation of the "Top Ten" problems in the county addressed by the environmental division in 2008.  Guests at the meeting included Mike Schantz (Shelby County Emergency Management Director) and Floyd Hastings (Shelby County D.A.R.E. Program).

Tuesday, April 28, 2009
State Commissioner Judith Monroe to give media update on swine flu in Indiana at 11:00 AM

Monday, April 27, 2009
Shelby County Health Department reviews emergency preparedness plans and meets with local media
SCHD officials met at 8:00 AM today to review county emergency preparedness plans in response to increased cases of human-to-human transmission of the swine flu.  Following the meeting, health officials met with Johnny McCrory at WSVX for a live interview to update listeners regarding swine flu and measures people can take to minimize their exposure.

Sunday, April 26, 2009
U.S. government declares the swine flu outbreak a public health emergency
Note, declaring an emergency releases additional government resources to study and contain this virus. Please refer to the links at the left for further information from the CDC. The Shelby County Health Department will post any information that is specific to Shelby County both here and in the local media.  Note:  At this time there have been no proven cases of swine flu in Indiana.