Information from the Director of Health, San Mateo County Health System
The Health System is working with all community partners and healthcare providers to ensure the County is ready to face the new flu season. This flu season will be much more complex than previous years with the arrival of the H1N1 (swine) flu. It is therefore important for everyone to stay informed and take steps to help lessen the effects of the flu on our community.
A Message from Scott Morrow MD, San Mateo County Health Department
12.9.09
"Our County continues to receive shipments of H1N1 vaccine that is being distributed to healthcare providers throughout the County. The County has received a total of ~ 133,000 doses to date, which has been administered to priority populations by their providers. This represents about 30% of the number of total County residents believed to be in high-risk priority groups.
In an effort to keep our flu Website dynamic in response to new questions being raised by providers and the public, we created a new FAQ posted on the website that has the latest County vaccine information including dose volume and the County's distribution strategy. It will be updated frequently and is located on the Flu Website www.smhealth.org/swineflu Click on County Updates.
We are currently working with the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on the next phase of H1N1 vaccine distribution. CDPH has committed to maintain those distribution measures that worked from the first phase of distribution, and improve what didn't work well, such as geographic equity and delivery predictability.
For latest flu information visit www.smhealth.org/swineflu or call the County Flu Hotline at (650) 573-3927.
Effective immediately, questions from schools/districts about influenza and H1N1 should go directly to the San Mateo County Health System.
E-Mail Inquiries: To e-mail questions, go to the boxed item, “Access San Mateo County,” on the http://www.smhealth.org Web page. It is on the left hand side of the page toward the bottom. Included are FAQs (Topic: Influenza/H1N1) and a process for submitting questions.
Phone Inquiries: Two options: 1) the Flu Hotline at 650-573-3927 for a recorded message that may answer general questions; or 2) the Public Health Emergency Response line at 650-372-8572 to reach a person to talk with about an issue.
Daily Absence Logs: When absence rates at a school are at or above the 10% level, send daily logs to San Mateo County Epidemiology. epidemiology@co.sanmateo.ca.us or fax: 650-377-1967 (attn: Suvas Patel)
The San Mateo County Office of Education will continue to post updated information on its Web site (http://www.smcoe.k12.ca.us Quick Links Updated H1N1 Resources), and will be the conduit for communications from the Health System.
County Flu Website: The Health System has a new Flu Website designed to provide easy access to timely and accurate information. There is a section with guidance specifically for schools which will be updated with new information such as vaccine availability and school closings. Visit www.smhealth.org/swineflu and click on "Guidance for Specific Groups."
Health Tips: To help prevent the spread of both seasonal and H1N1 (swine) flu, please urge your students, teachers, staff, and parents to:
a) Get a flu shot
b) Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or sleeve
c) Wash hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner
d) Stay home when sick |
