The
Directors Corner


Sincerely,

RoAnn Warden
Green County Health Officer
Prevention (CDC), reports H1N1 influenza activity
continues to decline with the number of states now
reporting widespread flu activity down from 25 to 14.  
Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness and
flu-associated hospitalizations also declined from the
H1N1 activity has declined in all five of Wisconsin's
public health regions.  However, another wave of
H1N1 cases could occur and  now is an optimal time
for individuals to get vaccinated.

Since September 1, 2009, there have been 854
hospitalizations due to H1N1 virus infection in
Wisconsin.  There have been four additional H1N1
related deaths reported in Bayfield, Dane, Milwaukee
and Polk counties,  this brings the H1N1 related deaths
to 47 statewide since cases began occurring in April.  I
am pleased to report to you that there have been
NO H1N1 related deaths in Green County.

On December 14, the Wisconsin Department of Health
Services (DHS) gave the green light to public health
departments and private health care providers  to start
vaccinating members of the general public.  CDC and
DHS have guaranteed, there will be adequate supplies
of H1N1 vaccine available for everyone who wants it!

The CDC also announced that 800,000 doses of H1N1
made by Sanofi Pasteur are being voluntarily recalled
because the antigen content is below specified limits.  
I assure you, the vaccine is safe, and the non-safety
voluntary recall is based upon testing of prefilled
syringes intended for young children, ages 6 months to
three years.  Some of the lots have a lower potency,
although it is unlikely there will be a significant
reduction in the overall effectiveness for those who have
received  the vaccine from the affected lots.  In addition,
children under the age of three are in the category of
receiving two doses of vaccine.  Therefore,  adequate
protection against the virus will be achieved following
the second recommended dose.
Although the Green County Health Department and
other area providers did receive vaccine from Sanofi
Pasteur, the lot numbers received in Green County were
NOT those involved in this voluntary recall.
as we approach the Holiday Season, please remember
to cover your cough, contain your sneezes, wash hands
By following these simple guidelines you can help
keep yourself,  your family and your community
Wishing you and your family a wonderful and      
healthy New Year!