HEALTH ALERT: H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Update

A shipment of 4,500 doses of H1N1 vaccine arrived in Springfield November 20, 2009. Shipment are expected twice weekly now.

Only 46 flu cases were reported the week of November 9 - 15, down significantly from the week before. Although this is the third week in a row the numbers have dropped, the flu season is far from over. Getting vaccinated, washing your hands and staying home when you are sick are still very important ways to help protect yourself, your family and our community.

The H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Answer Line remains open with live operators ready to take your questions. Call 417-874-1228.

Visit www.FightTheFluMO.com for frequently asked questions, fact sheets and posters.

Health News

Springfield City Council will consider options to manage a growing urban deer population on Monday, November 23, 2009.
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Flu cases significantly decrease, continuing a three-week trend, but the flu season is far from over.
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Take steps to protect your pet if you have the flu.
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Watch how a virus attacks the body in this video animation.
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Nasal spray is a safe alternative for healthy people 2 to 49 years old, even for most health care workers and others who are around people considered to be at high risk.
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Sneeze in your sleeve to keep from spreading germs.
Watch video

Plan ahead to keep your business running through the flu season.
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Looking Back

November 2, 2002 – Federal officials report considerable progress in preparing for bioterrorism.

Better Health

Hand washing is one of the most effective disease prevention methods. Vigorous rubbing with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds several times a day can help protect you from H1N1, seasonal flu and a number of other illnesses. Wash your hands!
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Just One - Immunization Program

Through the health department's immunization program, nursing staff gave more than 24,000 immunizations in 2008. These vaccinations helped protect children against tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, chicken pox, hepatitis A and B, polio and other childhood illnesses. Vaccinations also protected nearly 5,000 community residents from seasonal flu during the 2008-2009 flu season.

Immunizations are a safe, effective, proven method of protecting against disease. All childhood immunizations required for school are provided at no cost at the health department's Westside Public Health Center, located at 660 S Scenic in Springfield.

Benefits of Immunizations  (pdf)
Immunizations for Children   
Immunizations for Adolescents  (pdf)   
Immunizations for Adults  (pdf)   

Immunizations for Travelers

Seasonal Flu Immunization Clinics

Hot Topics

Click here to jump to the grassroots Fight the Flu campaign website.

Jump to the health department's You Tube page. Sign up to get urgent health messages on Nixle.Follow the Springfield-Greene County Health Department on Twitter.Read the health department's blog for answers to frequently asked questions.

Help match lost and found dogs. Lost N Found Dog Blog

Thanksgiving Food Safety

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Public Health E-Magazine
Learn which immunizations your child may need before school starts.

Are You Ready?
Pandemic flu planning toolkits.

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