Navajo County

Public Health is an organized “community” effort to address the public interest in health by applying scientific and technical knowledge to prevent disease and promote health. That is, Public Health is what we all do together, as a community, to create a safer, healthier and happier quality of life. The Navajo County Public Health Department has the responsiblity to assess and assure that the key elements are in place so that this can happen.

County Reminds Parents Two H1N1 Shots for Children

Navajo County Public Health Services District reminds parents and caregivers of the need for a second dose of the H1N1 vaccination for young children. It is important for children 9 years and younger to receive their second H1N1 dose about a month apart. The first dose prepares the young body’s immune system for the second dose which provides full immune protection.

“Avoiding a second dose can actually increase the possibility for serious health risks in children with pre-existing medical conditions,” said Wade Kartchner, Public Health Director. “A single dose of flu vaccine can have a reduced effect or even no protection for our young children.”

Public Health is offering eight walk in H1N1 clinics each month throughout the county. “Parents and caregivers can follow up with pediatricians to get the second shot or contact our Public Health offices”, said Don Walker, Emergency Preparedness and Response Manager, “Following through on your children’s vaccination is the only way to protect your children.” For information, times, and locations in North County call 928-524-4750 and South County call 928-532-6057.

Public Health Director, Wade Kartchner, MD, MPH, has worked diligently to pull for H1N1 resources into Navajo County and work with community partners to ensure that vaccines have been received and are being given to the public. H1N1 vaccines and supplies continue to arrive weekly in the county. The vaccines are NOW available regardless of age.

H1N1 Walk- In Clinics

Holbrook
1st & 3rd Tuesday 1 P.M. – 3 P.M.
117 E. Buffalo Street
Holbrook, AZ. 86025

Winslow
1st & 3rd Monday 1 P.M. – 3P.M.
619 E. 3rd Street
Winslow, AZ. 86047

Snowflake
2nd & 4th Tuesday 10 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
Baptist Children’s Services Office
1016 S. Main St.
Snowflake, AZ. 85937

Show Low
2nd & 4th Tuesday 1:30 P.M. – 3:30 P.M.
251 N. Penrod Rd. Suite #1
Show Low, AZ. 85091

Navajo County Opens Priority Groups for
H1N1 Vaccine
General Population Vaccination Clinics Will Be Held

Navajo County Public Health Services District will be holding general population H1N1 vaccination clinics through the county.

The clinics are open to anyone who wants to be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu. It is also a great opportunity to bring in children ages 9 and under, who still need their second H1N1 “booster” vaccination. Please bring your child’s H1N1 vaccination card if they have one. Remember that children aged 10 and older only need one H1N1 vaccination.

Due to the ongoing uncertainty of H1N1 flu vaccine availability, people are encouraged to check flu clinic schedules below and call (928) 532-6057 in South County or (928) 524-4750 in North County before any clinic to assure vaccine availability.

In times of heavy demand or vaccine shortage, it is possible for vaccine to run out during a clinic. Navajo County Public Health Services District apologizes in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.

People often ask what they should do if they get the flu, so here are some suggestions:

• stay home from work or school and rest
• drink plenty of non-caffeinated fluids
• use acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help with fever and body aches
• wash your hands often to protect other people
• avoid getting close to other people, especially when coughing or sneezing
• cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing with your sleeve or tissue

There are currently 16 other providers throughout the county offering the 2009 H1N1 vaccine. To find the nearest participating provider please call our Public Health Help Line at 532-6057 or visit the Navajo County Medical Reserve Corps web site www.navajocountymrc.com and look at the Health Alerts tab.