The Mississippi State of Department of Health is hoping the area’s senior citizens take the “fast lane” to immunization from the H1N1 (swine) flu this week.
The Southeast Public Health District, which includes Jones, Perry, Wayne, Covington, Forrest and several other counties, will host a “Fast Lane” clinic Thursday and Friday to provide immediate service without a wait time for senior citizens receiving a flu shot. Only one quick form is needed to be completed, and a free, custom 2009 H1N1 Valentine’s Day T-shirt will be given as supplies last.
Dr. Thomas Dobbs, District 8 health officer, said when the flu shot was originally being offered, those under 21 years of age and pregnant women were targeted because they were the ones at higher risk of infection.
“Although older folks are less likely to get it, they are at higher risk for complications from the swine flu,” he said. “We opened up vaccinations a couple months ago for senior citizens. However, we haven’t vaccinated a huge swath of the older population.
“This is an opportunity to get the vaccine out there because we still are seeing cases circulating in the community,” Dobbs added. “There is still concern that we will have a third wave of a higher number of infections.”
Dobbs noted that while swine flu hasn’t occupied the headlines lately, “positive cases” are still being treated every day.
“Part of this too, although we are targeting the older population, anyone that wants to be vaccinated can be,” he said. “That includes children over six months, kids, young adults... anyone.”
Dobbs said typically the cold and flu season will last through late March or April, however it does vary.
“It’s clearly different this year,” he said. “We’ve had this pandemic since last spring. But, typically after the spring months are gone, we won’t have many flu cases. The winter months — January, February and March — are generally our bigger months.”
Dobbs said maintaining good health is the best way to combat the flu. However, there are other tips one can follow including:
• Wash your hands
• If you’re sick, stay away from others so you don’t transmit the infection
• Cough into a tissue or sleeve
• Use alcohol-based hand rubs
“While the disease can be transmitted through air, it’s usually through person-to-person contact such as touching someone or a physical item that has the virus on it,” Dobbs said. “Personal hygiene is extremely important.”
The 2009 H1N1 vaccine is being offered free of charge at all county health departments as follows:
• Jones — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 5168 Highway 11 South, Laurel
• Perry — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 102 Main Street, New Augusta
• Wayne — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday at 1100-A Cedar Street, Waynesboro
• Covington — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 600 South Arrington, Collins
• Forrest — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Thursday and Friday, 5008 Highway 42, Hattiesburg
For more information on the 2009 H1N1 (swine) flu or to locate a county health department near you, visit the MSDH Website at www.HealthyMS.com or call the toll-free MSDH flu hotline at 1-877-222-9FLU. Hotline hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, except state holidays.
Local News
‘Fast Lane’ clinic to offer H1N1 immunizations this week
Flu shots available free Thursday, Friday
- Local News
-
-
Police investigate several burglaries on Euclid Avenue
The Laurel Police Department has taken two people into custody as the police department continues to investigate several burglaries which have occurred in the Euclid Avenue area.
-
Rotarians see huge success
The Laurel Rotary Club saw a great turnout as they sold hundreds of spaghetti plates Saturday during its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser.
-
Arrest made in ‘fire victim’ scam case
Local law enforcement authorities have arrested the man suspected of a number of scams in Jones and neighboring counties.
-
Council to discuss pay increase
The Laurel City Council next week will once again consider granting a change concerning the city’s building inspector.
-
Agriculture is big business in Miss.
Business and industry leaders, as well as Jones County Junior College students, gathered at Ronald E. Whitehead Advanced Technology Center Thursday for the college’s 7th Annual Economic and Technology Symposium.
-
American Red Cross looking for local volunteers
The East Central Mississippi Chapter of the American Red Cross is looking for a few good men, women, boys and girls to join its team of disaster volunteers.
-
Annual Rotary Club Spaghetti dinner Saturday
The Laurel Rotary Club will conduct its annual Spaghetti dinner this weekend at the YWCO.
-
Officials pleased with Chancellor’s appointment
At 12:01 a.m. Wednesday, Lance Chancellor became the new executive director of the Jones County Emergency Management Agency.
-
Get ready for control burns in the area
Area motorists and residents may notice a lot of smoke coming from some of the county’s heavily wooded areas in the coming weeks.
-
Heidelberg has a new police chief
A longtime Jasper Countian has been named the head law enforcement official in this Jasper County town.
Huey Powe is now the Police Chief for the Town of Heidelberg. - More Local News Headlines
-
Police: Father Planned Deadly Fire for Some Time
US, UK Pressure on Syria; More Homs Violence
Raw Video: Mass Killer Wants Medal, Freedom
Few Answers in Death of Sons of Missing Utah Mom
Court Strips Contador of Tour De France Title
Runaway Goat Leads Police on Wild Chase
And the Winner for Best Super Bowl Ad Is...
Raw Video: Deadly Helicopter Crash in Australia
Raw Video: Smoke, Purported Gunfire in Syria
Romney Latest Poll to Join Let-me-explain Club
Blast Kills Husband of Missing Utah Mom, 2 Boys
Obama: US, Israel Will Work Against Iran Nukes
NJ Museum Finds 19th Century Recording
Snow Causes Disruptions in Much of Europe
Clinton: Vetoed U.N. Syria Resolution 'travesty'
Romney Picks Up Decisive Win in Nevada Caucuses
Gingrich Renews Vow to Campaign Until Convention
Romney Rolls to Easy Win in Nevada GOP Caucuses
Raw Video: Missing Family Found Alive in Ore.
Police Clear Tents From Occupy Site in DC
