H1N1 (aka Swine Flu)

Like seasonal influenza, H1N1 influenza is very contagious and can make you very ill. No one has an immunity unless they have been diagnosed this season by a confirmed lab test as having the disease this year. The H1N1 vaccine is currently available in Dallas County to anyone wanting protection from the virus. Please call our office for an appointment or see the list of pharmacies and medical providers in Dallas County that have the vaccine available. 

H1N1 can spread when an infected person coughs and sneezes and spreads germs through the air or onto surfaces that other people may touch.  H1N1 virus is not transmitted by eating pork products.  The information below will help you learn how to avoid getting sick and how to prevent any further spread of the disease.

The H1N1 vaccine is available to all ages and to anyone that wants protection from the H1N1 virus.

Reminder that all children receiving the H1N1 vaccine that are under the age of 10 years, need 2 doses separated by at least 1 month. Please call your provider or Dallas County Public Health to schedule an appointment. It is not too late to receive the second dose.

The H1N1 vaccine is given FREE of charge from Dallas County Public Health Nursing Service. Call for an appointment at 515-993-3750.

H1N1 will be included in the seasonal influenza vaccine in the fall of 2010. It is recommended that all persons wanting protection from influenza 6 months and older receive the seasonal influenza vaccine this fall.

For copies of the consent form and the Vaccine Information sheet for each presentation, please click below:

• H1N1 Inactivated vaccine information sheet (10-8-09)
• H1N1 Mist vaccine information sheet (10-8-09)
• H1N1 vaccine consent form (can bring completed to a clinic)

Credible and Useful Links on H1N1

• IA Dept of Public Health: http://www.idph.state.ia.us/
• Centers for Disease Control: http://www.cdc.gov/H1N1FLU/
• Polk County Health Dept: www.polkcountyiowa.gov/health/

Parents Information

• Parents Guide to Seasonal Flu and H1N1 Flu

Antivirals for Uninsured or Underinsured are available at Medicap Pharmacy in Perry, IA and at the Redfield Clinic in Redfield, IA.

Prevention Messages

• CDC Handwashing Instructions
• Handwashing Video
• What You Can Do to Stay Healthy for Schools, Childcare providers, communities,and workplaces
• Environmental Cleaning and Disinfection 

From the FDA

• H1N1 Guidance for the Food Industry

Environmental Cleaning During Influenza Season

• Clean frequently touched surfaces with your normal cleaning and disinfecting agents (including soap and water). Follow the directions on the label.
• Specialized cleaning agents are not necessary.
• The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) maintains a list of commercial disinfecting productws that are effective against influenza A viruses on hard non-porous surfaces; visit this link for a list.
• Do not spray (fog) rooms with disinfectant or air sanitizers. This is a potentially dangerous practice that has no proven disease control benefit.

Information for Child Care Providers and Child Care Businesses

• Recommendations for Child Care Providers
• Environmental Cleaning Guidance for Child Care Providers
• Sample Parent Letter
• Procedure on How to take a Temperature

Information for Schools

• Sample Letter for schools to send home with ill student with ILI symptoms
• Sample H1N1 Lesson Plan for Teachers to use
• Iowa Department of Education Influenza Website 
• Fact Sheet for Schools
• Iowa School Absenteeism Report

H1N1 Health Alert Poster

Information for Businesses

• The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Safeguard Iowa Partnership (SIP) are working together to prepare for the 2009-2010 influenza season and have jointly identified and developed the following materials to assist Iowa businesses in their 2009-2010 influenza season planning:http://www.idph.state.ia.us/h1n1/theworkplace.asp
• Guidance on Preparing Workplaces for an Influenza Pandemic
• Human Resource Policies and Pandemic Planning Workplace Questions