Harford Health Department Participates In Statewide National Public Health Week H1N1 “Free For All” Vaccine Campaign

From the Harford County Health Department:

Bel Air, MD – April 1, 2010 – In observance of National Public Health Week, April 5th through April 11th, the Harford County Health Department will participate with local health departments across the state in an H1N1 flu vaccination campaign coordinated by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene. In all, over 150 no-cost H1N1 influenza vaccination clinics will be offered during the week throughout Maryland.

The Harford County Health department will conduct its clinics on a “no appointment, walk-up” basis, and H1N1 vaccinations will be available at no cost at the following locations.

Wednesday, April 7, 2010 from 10:00A to 2:00P at the Harford Mall, near the indoor entrance to Macy’s
Friday, April 9th from 10:00A to 2:00P at the McFaul Activity Center located at 525 West MacPhail Road in Bel Air (near the Motor Vehicle Administration Building off Route 24)
Wednesdays from 1:30A to 4:00P and Fridays from 8:30A to 4:00P throughout April at the Health Department Woodbridge Operations Center located at 1321 Woodbridge Station Way in Edgewood.

The concerted statewide effort occurs on the heels of a recent report from the National Centers for Disease Control (CDC) of Maryland’s 45th swine-flu-related death of an adult in the Baltimore metropolitan area. While, according to CDC officials, H1N1 (Swine) flu activity officially remains “sporadic” across Maryland, it was also reported earlier this week that three Southeastern states are seeing a resurgence of H1N1 flu.

“This death reminds us that the H1N1 (Swine) Flu is still with us. Although at lower levels, it continues to put people of all ages in the hospital and unfortunately can lead to death,” said John M. Colmers, DHMH Secretary. “That is why we will continue to make free vaccine available to every Marylander who wants it. Everyone who is vaccinated has the best protection against the flu for themselves and their families.”

The increased infection rates are due in part to low vaccination rates among the population, according to the CDC, whose preliminary CDC estimates show that only 26 percent of Marylanders have been vaccinated against the H1N1 (Swine) Flu. “Seasons may change but the H1N1 (Swine) Flu remains with us and poses a serious threat to many,” said Frances Phillips, DHMH Deputy Secretary for Public Health. “It’s not too late to vaccinate because H1N1 (Swine) Flu knows no season. In fact, this flu proved its persistence by infecting thousands of people last spring and summer, long after the regular flu season was over.”

The theme for the 2010 National Public Health Week is “A Healthier America, One Community At a Time.” Harford County Health Officer Susan Kelly reminds the public that state and local health departments play a vital role everyday in protecting and promoting the health of communities in Maryland and throughout the country. Ms. Kelly states, “There are health department and collaborative county-wide initiatives already in place to improve the health and lifestyles of Harford Countians. For example our “Healthy Harford” coalition works to identify and coordinate local resources residents can use to live more active and healthier lives. The website (www.healthyharford.org) also assists individuals in finding information about what’s happening in our community and how they can get involved in making our county the healthiest in Maryland.”

For more information about the H1N1 virus or to obtain current information about all clinic schedules and vaccine availability, visit the Harford County Health Department website at www.harfordcountyhealth.com or call 410-612-1779.