To the citizens of Crawford County, Illinois:

The mission of Crawford County Health Department (CCHD) is to prevent disease and to assist in the maintenance of optimum health for the citizens of Crawford County through the assessment of needs, development of policy, provision of education and the assurance of services.

Some way, every day, the Health Department has a role in your daily activities. We are guardian of your health in relation to community activities. Each individual or family can maintain their own safe environment, but, when many individuals and families come together to form a community, public health as a whole must be protected. We appreciate the trust you place in us in our efforts to accomplish this.

We are your County Health Department. We work for you.

Current Annoucements

 

A message from IDPH Director Dr. Damon Arnold:

    

H1N1 Flu Resources

IDPH H1N1 Flu page

CDC H1N1 Flu page

H1N1 Hotline: 1-866-848-2094

Seasonal Flu Resources

IDPH Seasonal Flu page

CDC Seasonal Flu page

Flu.gov

 

Ready Illinois

CDC-Caring For Someone Sick at Home

 

 

To prevent the spread of H1N1 & seasonal flu remember the 3 Cs:

• Clean your hands frequently to prevent the spread of germs
• Cover your cough and sneeze into a tissue or sleeve
• Contain your germs and stay home if you are sick

 

Overall, reported flu activity in the United States has declined over the past several weeks. This does not indicate that the threat of becoming infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus or a seasonal flu virus has necessarily subsided, instead, we are just experiencing a natural decline in activity. Flu activity from either the 2009 H1N1 virus or a seasonal virus may not rise to levels seen in past months, but is expected to continue over the next several months. Past pandemics have shown that flu activity can occur in waves, therefore, there is the possibility that another wave of flu activity may occur in upcoming months. According to CDC, the majority of influenza viruses currently circulating are the 2009 H1N1 influenza A virus.

CDC is recommending vaccination as the first and most important step to protecting against the flu. CDC is also encouraging everyone to get vaccinated against to 2009 H1N1 flu virus, including those who are 65 and older. By also following the three Cs, you can help to protect against both the 2009 H1N1 virus and the seasonal flu virus.

2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccinations

H1N1 vaccinations are available during Monday morning walk-in clinics from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. or by appointment.

Parental consent is required for children under 18 years of age. If a parent is not present, written permission is needed.

Children under 10 years of age require two vaccinations at least 4 weeks apart in order to be fully immunized.

CCHD’s current vaccine supply for shots is licensed for use with persons age 6 months and up.  It is provided in a multidose vial which requires it to contain a preservative.  A preservative-free vaccine is available for children age 6 months to 35 months. Live nasal mist vaccine may only be given to healthy, non-pregnant individuals age 2-49 years.

Groups targeted to receive the 2009 H1N1 live attenuated influenza vaccine (nasal spray) first are healthy people who:

• Are from 2 through 24 years of age,

• Are from 25 through 49 years of age and live with or care for infants younger than 6 months of age or are healthcare workers or emergency medical personnel who have direct contact with patients.

You should not get the nasal spray 2009 H1N1 vaccine if you have a severe allergy to eggs or other substances in the vaccine such as gelatin, gentamicin, or arginine.  The vaccine should also not be given to the following groups:

• Children younger than 2 and adults 50 years and older,

• Pregnant women,

• Anyone with a weakened immune system,

• Anyone with a long-term health problem such as heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease, asthma, diabetes, anemia or other blood disorders,

• Children younger than 5 years with asthma or one or more episodes of wheezing during the past year,

• Anyone with certain muscle or nerve disorders (such as cerebral palsy) that can lead to breathing or swallowing problems,

• Anyone in close contact with a person with a severely weakened immune system (requiring care in a protected environment, such as a bone marrow transplant unit),

• Children or adolescents on long-term aspirin treatment

• Those who are moderately or severely ill

Visit CCHD's H1N1 page for more information and resources regarding 2009 H1N1 flu, including information regarding the vaccines.

Immunization information

Immunization clinics are generally held every Tuesday from 4:00-6:00 PM and on the second and fourth Thursday of the month from 8:30-11:00 AM. Appointments are required. There is a $10.00 charge per immunization.

Lead screens are available for $16.00 (free if income eligible).

Weekly walk-in sessions take place every Monday morning from 8:00-11:00 AM and are on a first come, first serve basis.

2010 Health Department Holiday Closing Dates

 

FDA Recall Information

Information about current FDA recalls can be found by following this link: FDA recalls

 

1-866-QUIT-YES (784-8937)

www.quityes.org

 

Crawford County Restaurant Facts

• Crawford County Food Scores
• Crawford County Food Establishment address list (rev 12/22/09)