Public Health Department expands target population for H1N1
vaccine
Hospitals in Hollister and Gilroy updated their visitors’ policy
for this flu season last week.
Staring Nov. 16, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital updated its
visiting policy to allow only visitors ages 16 years or older. In
addition, patients will be allowed two visitors per room at a time.
When arriving at the hospital, they may sign in at the front desk
to receive a visitor’s badge. When the visit is completed, the
badge is to be returned to the desk.
Public Health Department expands target population for H1N1 vaccine
Hospitals in Hollister and Gilroy updated their visitors’ policy for this flu season last week.
Staring Nov. 16, Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital updated its visiting policy to allow only visitors ages 16 years or older. In addition, patients will be allowed two visitors per room at a time. When arriving at the hospital, they may sign in at the front desk to receive a visitor’s badge. When the visit is completed, the badge is to be returned to the desk.
“Hazel Hawkins Memorial does not take the decision to restrict visitors lightly,” said Ken Underwood, the CEO of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, in a press release. “Our patients and their quality of care is our highest priority. We want to ensure that we minimize the chances of spreading H1N1 and seasonal influenza among our patients and staff. We understand the restrictions may present challenges for some patients and their families. We believe it is in the best interest of our patients and staff to put these restrictions in place.”
Anyone who is ill or is exhibiting symptoms such as fever coughing, chills, runny nose, sore throat, vomiting or diarrhea, or headache, muscle or joint pain.
Saint Louise Regional Hospital in Gilroy began limiting visitors to 16 years of age or older on Nov. 13. Those who are sick or show symptoms of illness are also encouraged to stay home.
“Saint Louise is committed to the health and safety of our community,” said Joanne Allen, president and CEO of the hospital, in a press release. “During the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, we are using extra precaution to protect our patients, visitors and staff. By following these guidelines when you visit, you can help us provide the best possible care to those who need it.”
H1N1 vaccines
The Public Health Department has expanded the days it will be conducting H1N1 vaccinations to include Mondays and Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. by appointment only through Dec. 21.
The department is still recommending that residents check with their primary care physician for availability of the vaccine prior to scheduling an appointment at the Public Health Department.
As of Nov. 12, the agency has expanded the groups recommended to receive the H1N1 vaccination to include pregnant women; household contacts of infants less than six months of age; health care and emergency medical services personnel; persons ages 6 months to 24 years; and persons ages 25 to 64 years with a chronic medical condition that increase their risk of complications from influenza infection, according to a press release.
The vaccine is available in two forms – as a shot or the FluMist nasal spray. Due to limited amounts of H1N1 vaccine shots, the Public Health Department only has FluMist available.
Residents are encouraged to continue to use common sense steps to prevent the spread of illness such as washing hands, covering mouths when sneezing or coughing and staying home when sick.
For more information on seasonal or H1N1 influenza please call the Health Department at 637-5367 or check the California Department of Public Health’s Web site at www.cdph.ca.gov.
