(August 25, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health is experiencing a significant increase in reported cases of a diarrheal illness called cryptosporidiosis (crypto).

In the past week, 18 new cases of crypto have been identified. Of these, six are laboratory confirmed. The rest have occurred among persons with symptoms who have close ties to confirmed cases. So far this year, there have been 56 identified cases compared to 10 cases during the same period last year.

Many of these cases have been associated with childcare facilities. Generally, crypto is spread through recreational water activities, but it can also spread person-to-person, especially in settings such as childcare centers.

Cryptosporidiosis can cause mild diarrheal illness or severe gastrointestinal illness. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days (although symptoms usually develop within 7 days). Persons who become symptomatic may develop diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, experience weight loss, and have a low-grade fever. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should see their health care provider immediately.

Richard Knaup, Communicable Disease Services Manager for the health department offers these suggestions for preventing the spread of crypto:

• Thoroughly wash your hands after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before eating, after swimming, and after having contact with animals.
• People who have diarrhea should not prepare food for others.
• People who are experiencing diarrhea should stay home from work and school. They should not use swimming pools (including splash parks or fountains) until two weeks after the diarrhea stops.
• Children with diarrhea should be excluded from childcare facilities until the diarrhea stops, because of the high risk of spreading disease in these settings.

For more information, please visit: www.cdc.gov/crypto/

(August 10, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health is reminding people who are sick that they should avoid swimming because of the risk of spreading disease. Parents and guardians are also urged to make sure their children avoid swimming until they are fully recovered from any illness.

Symptoms that should cause someone to avoid swimming include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (the CDC) recommends that anyone who has experienced diarrhea should avoid swimming for at least two weeks after symptoms end.

“While chlorine is very effective in preventing the transmission of many diseases, it doesn’t kill everything and sick people should stay out of the pool until they are better,” said Gerrin Cheek Butler, Food and Environmental Manager for the Health Department’s Environmental Protection/Sanitation Services Division.

The CDC recommends the following to avoid spreading any recreational water illnesses (sometimes called RWI’s):

• Don't swim when you have diarrhea. You can spread germs in the water and make other people sick.
• Don't swallow pool water. Avoid getting pool water in your mouth.
• Practice good hygiene. Shower with soap before swimming and wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Germs on your body end up in the water.
• Change diapers in a bathroom or a diaper-changing area and not at the poolside. Germs can be spread in and around the pool.
• Take your kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often. Waiting to hear, "I have to go," may mean that it's too late.

“Recreational water illnesses can include a wide variety of diseases, but especially those involving the gastrointestinal system. Appropriate hygiene – including showering before swimming and avoiding recreational water when ill – can help prevent the spread of these diseases,” said Richard Knaup, Communicable Disease Services Manager for the health department.

While swimming and other water-related activities are excellent ways to get the physical activity needed for a healthy life, it is important to prevent the spread of waterborne illnesses such as giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.

Cryptosporidiosis can cause mild diarrheal illness or severe gastrointestinal illness. Although the incubation period ranges from two (2) to 14 days, symptoms will usually develop within 10 days of exposure. Persons who become symptomatic may develop diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact his or her health care provider immediately.

So far this year, there have been 19 confirmed cases of cryptosporidiosis among county residents reported to the health department.

For more information on recreational water illnesses and safe swimming habits, visit:

(July 23, 2010) The Saint Louis County Health Department will be offering tetanus shots and distributing free flood cleaning kits on Saturday to residents with flood damage.

Many north county homes suffered water damage after heavy rains Wednesday night and flood water mixed with sewage can pose serious health concerns.

“We are moving quickly to address the many potential public health threats posed by flooding,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the County Health Department. “Our efforts are also being greatly helped by the Northeast Fire Protection District, which has been on the scene since the flooding first started.”

The flood cleaning kits include instructions for cleaning up after a flood, a gallon of bleach, gloves, and a mask. The cleaning kits and free tetanus shots will be available on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the North Central Community Health Center:

The Health Department’s Mobile Medical Unit is also going to distribute cleaning kits and tetanus shots to the hardest hit neighborhoods. Bottled water will also be distributed as long as supplies last.

Other important resources for victims of the flooding include the following:

For information about housing, please contact the Red Cross:

(314) 516-2700

For damage assessment, FEMA claims, and for available cleaning supplies, please contact the Northeast Fire Protection District:

(314) 382-1501

For information about the flooding, damage claims, and damage inspections, please contact the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (MSD):

(314) 768-6260

(June 29, 2010) Mosquitoes carrying West Nile Virus have been discovered in North and South County, although no human cases have been reported, according to the Saint Louis County Department of Health.

Positive results have been reported in mosquitoes in Calverton Park, Castlepoint, Dellwood, Florissant, Mehlville, and Webster Groves.

“Positive mosquito tests are a reminder that preventative measures are important,” said Saint Louis County Health Department Director Dr. Dolores J. Gunn. “Even though serious West Nile Virus cases in humans are rare, it is important to minimize our exposure. We can do this by eliminating opportunities for mosquitoes to breed and multiply, and protect ourselves by using repellants,” Dr. Gunn said.

Floodwater mosquitoes, which do not carry West Nile Virus, have been emerging in recent weeks and are active in daylight hours as well as being attracted to bright lights at night.

Here are steps residents can take to reduce the opportunities for mosquitoes to flourish:

• At least once a week, drain water from garbage cans, buckets, toys, flowerpots, wading pools, pet dishes, and other objects that collect water. Change water in birdbaths at least once a week.
• Keep gutters cleaned out, and repair any tears in door and window screens.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants and light colors outdoors.
• Spray clothing with repellents containing DEET or picaridin, making sure to follow the directions on the label.
• Look for products containing the active ingredient methoprene or Bti (Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis) to place in birdbaths or ponds, to prevent mosquitoes from developing.
• Flexible drainage pipe is commonly used to drain water from downspouts. A big drawback is that it holds water and breeds mosquitoes if not properly sloped when installed.

The Health Department routinely collects mosquito samples to test and help determine where to focus control efforts. Vector Control monitors and treats standing water in public areas as part of its preventative larviciding program. To find out where the county will be spraying, call 615-4-BUG (615-4284) for the nightly mosquito-spraying schedule.

For more information on mosquito prevention, contact the County Vector Control office at 314-727-3097 or visit the Health Department’s website at www.stlouisco.com/doh.

(June 4, 2010) Saint Louis County Animal Control Services and the Animal Protective Association of Missouri have formed a partnership to help more pets find homes. The new initiative is designed to increase the number of dog and cat adoptions and the APA has agreed to accept up to 500 animals per year from the county shelter.

“This partnership will give our adoptable animals more visibility to the public.” said Rebecca Smail, Program Manager for Vector and Animal Control for the Saint Louis County Department of Health.

“This partnership will ultimately assist the County in helping the animals while getting more strays off the streets,” Smail added.

Steve Kaufman, Executive Director for the APA of Missouri added, “There are so many wonderful pets available in county shelters, but they receive very little visibility. We hope that transferring at least 50 pets each month to the APA will give the pets a much better chance at finding new homes. We also hope the public will be responsive to this effort and help us increase that number to 100 a month.”

The public can help by adopting a pet from Saint Louis County Animal Control or the APA, volunteering time, or making a donation to help care for the pets.

If you are interested in adopting a pet or would like more information on the partnership, call Animal Control Services at 314-726-6655 or the APA at 314-645-4610. You can also find information about pet adoption on the website for Animal Control Services:

(May 13, 2010) The warmer weather marks the awakening of bats from hibernation, and the Saint Louis County Department of Health is cautioning residents to avoid handling the animals, since some can carry rabies.

Any county resident who encounters a live or dead bat in their home is urged to call the health department. Residents should not attempt to capture a live bat but should confine it to the room where it is discovered so animal control officers can collect it for rabies testing.

Never release a bat found in a home if it was present while people were sleeping or in the same room with children or adults who, due to health or age, may not be able to describe the extent of their exposure.

During business hours, residents should call 831-6500. After business hours, and on weekends and holidays, county residents should call Saint Louis County Police at 889-2341.

Last year, 590 bats were tested and 23 had rabies, said Rebecca Smail, DOH Program Manager of Vector Control and Veterinary Services.

Health officials urge people to be aware of and cautious around wildlife, especially bats, and to avoid direct contact with any animal that is behaving strangely. Children should be taught to stay a safe distance away from any unknown animals.

Smail said people should check with their veterinarians on the immunization status of their pets. Because rabies can be readily passed from wild animals to domestic pets, the first line of defense is to make sure all cats and dogs are properly vaccinated, as required by county ordinances. Once transmitted, the disease of rabies has no cure and is almost always fatal.

Most bats don't carry rabies, and in fact perform a beneficial service by eating large quantities of insects. But if one bat in a colony contracts rabies, chances are it will spread to other members of the colony.

For more information about pet vaccinations, visit www.stlouisco.com/doh and click on Animal Control.

(April 28, 2010) Adoptable dogs and cats will be ready for new homes at the Pet Fest adoption event Saturday, May 1st. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., rain or shine, at the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Pet Adoption Center, located at 77 Hunter Avenue in Ladue.

“This is a perfect opportunity for families to find the best animal to bring into their homes,” said Dr. Helen Kamp, health department veterinarian. There will be plenty of adoptable dogs and cats waiting for new owners to take them to their “forever home”.

Many of the animals available will be spayed or neutered and reduced-price vouchers that can be used at participating veterinarians will be offered to county residents for those animals that haven’t been altered.

“Responsible pet ownership – which includes spaying and neutering – can be a valuable way to teach our children about responsibility in general” said Dr. Kamp.

Pet adoption and spaying/neutering also reduce the chances of overcrowding at animal shelters and animal overpopulation in the community.

Added Dr. Kamp, “Unaltered animals have the potential to produce thousands of unwanted offspring and our reduced-fee spay/neuter program helps prevent this. By reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community, we keep our streets safer from feral animals and the disturbances these animals can create.”

There is no charge to attend Pet Fest, but the standard procedures for adopting a pet will apply:

1. An application must be completed.



2. There is a $40 adoption fee that covers vaccinations, deworming, and micro chipping.

If a dog is not already altered, the adopter must arrange for the procedure with a veterinarian located in Saint Louis County.

Next year, the health department will open a new animal shelter in Olivette. The new facility will offer a complete pet adoption center along with the routine services of our current Animal Care and Control.

Additional information about Saint Louis County Animal Care and Control can be found at:

(April 15, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health is sponsoring three free events for Saint Louis County residents to drop off unwanted household chemicals this spring.

“Many residents are unsure about what to do with leftover household chemicals. By bringing these materials to our events, residents can be assured that they will be disposed of safely and pose no harm to themselves, their families, or the environment,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health.

The County Health Department is offering an environmentally safe alternative for household chemical disposal through its spring household chemical collection events. The drop-off events will be held on three Saturdays: April 24^th, May 8^th, and May 15^th. The events are free and open to all Saint Louis County residents. They will run from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., regardless of weather. Directions and event maps can be found at www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

Dr. Gunn added that the household chemical collection program is very popular with residents. The handling of chemical products often requires special disposal and recycling methods, and residents should always ensure that such chemicals are properly disposed of. However, even more important than recycling old household chemicals is reducing the amount of waste generated.

“We recommend that residents avoid creating excess materials in the first place,” said Mary Patterson, Environmental Supervisor. “Consumers should buy only what they need and they should use products up entirely.”

The cost for the household chemical events is covered by the Saint Louis County landfill surcharge fund. Proof of residency, such as a driver’s license or tax bill, will be required.

For more information, please call the Department of Health at (314) 615-4130 or visit their website at www.RecycleSaintLouis.com.

(April 14, 2010) Meet your next “best friend” at Pet Fest on Saturday, May 1^st. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Saint Louis County Department of Health’s Pet Adoption Center, located at 77 Hunter Avenue in Ladue.

Pet Fest is a family event where prospective pet owners can get to know the animals they might like to adopt. There will be plenty of adoptable dogs and cats waiting for new owners to take them to their “forever home”.

“We make every effort to match up dogs and cats with people who would like to welcome them into their homes,” said Dr. Helen Kamp, health department veterinarian. “This will be a great opportunity for people to find a new animal companion.”

Many of the animals available will be spayed or neutered and reduced-price vouchers that can be used at participating veterinarians will be offered to county residents for those animals that haven’t been altered.

“Responsible pet ownership – which includes spaying and neutering – can be a valuable way to teach our children about responsibility in general” said Dr. Kamp.

Pet adoption and spaying/neutering also reduce the chances of overcrowding at animal shelters and animal overpopulation in the community.

Added Dr. Kamp, “Unaltered animals have the potential to produce thousands of unwanted offspring and our reduced-fee spay/neuter program helps prevent this. By reducing the number of unwanted animals in the community, we keep our streets safer from feral animals and the disturbances these animals can create.”

There is no charge to attend Pet Fest, but the standard procedures for adopting a pet will apply:

1. An application must be completed.
2. There is a $40 adoption fee that covers vaccinations, deworming, and microchipping.

If a dog is not already altered, the adopter must arrange for the procedure with a veterinarian located in Saint. Louis County.

Next year, the health department will unveil its new animal shelter in Olivette. The new facility will offer a complete pet adoption center along with the routine services of our current Animal Care and Control.

Additional information about Saint Louis County Animal Care and Control can be found at:

(April 9, 2010) As National Public Health Week 2010 draws to a close, the Saint Louis County Department of Health is emphasizing the importance of regular physical activity in maintaining good health.

“The beautiful spring weather this weekend will provide everyone with the perfect opportunity to get out and be active,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health. “The two most important things anyone can do to maintain good health are eat right and stay physically active.”

There are a variety of outdoor events around the Saint Louis area this weekend, including the Volksmarch in January Wabash Park in Ferguson and the GO! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend in Forest Park. The Volksmarch is a 6.2 mile, non-competitive walking event open to all ages. The GO! St. Louis Family Fitness Weekend features ten different races for all ages and fitness levels.

Added Dr. Gunn, “I would encourage everyone to consider participating in one of these events as well as think about incorporating regular physical activity into one’s daily routine.”

National Public Health Week 2010 runs from April 5^th through April 11^th. This year’s theme is “A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.” The nationwide focus is on good dietary habits and regular physical activity to maintain good health throughout life.

As part of their efforts to encourage a more active lifestyle, the Health Department sponsored a walking scavenger hunt in Clayton this week and issued a challenge to the 91 municipalities in Saint Louis County to embrace the theme of National Public Health Week by encouraging more active living in their communities as well.

County Executive Charlie A. Dooley officially proclaimed this week National Public Health Week in Saint Louis County and issued a proclamation recognizing the efforts of Live Well Ferguson – a program in the City of Ferguson to encourage better eating habits and a more active lifestyle among the city’s residents.

Live Well Ferguson is a collaboration between the City of Ferguson and Trailnet, a local not-for-profit organization that promotes active living and helps communities design urban environments that are compatible with active lifestyles.

Go! St. Louis is a not-for-profit organization that encourages individuals and families in the region to adopt a healthy lifestyle by getting fit, staying active, and eating a nutritional diet year round.

For more information about Live Well Ferguson, visit:

For more information about GO! St. Louis, visit:

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit:

For more information about the Saint Louis County Department of Health, visit:

(April 6, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health’s daily efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle reflect the values of National Public Health Week 2010 which runs from April 5^th through April 11^th.

This year’s theme is “A Healthier America: One Community at a Time.” It is a time to raise awareness nationally of the many public health efforts in local communities all across the nation.

“Public health efforts play an important part in all of our lives, even when we are unaware of them,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the County Health Department.

“From the moment you brush your teeth in the morning until you lay your head down on a pillow at the end of the day, public health agencies are playing a role in keeping you and your family safe and healthy. That is something worth celebrating.”

County Executive Charlie A. Dooley also praised the county’s public health efforts.

“I am very proud of the efforts of the County Health Department,” said Mr. Dooley. “Last year they received comprehensive accreditation from the Missouri Institute for Community Health for their outstanding efforts, and recently they were awarded a $7.5 million federal grant to better educate the public about public health enemy number one: tobacco. They are truly one of the best parts of county government.”

As part of their efforts to encourage a more active lifestyle, the Health Department is sponsoring a walking scavenger hunt this week in Clayton and has issued a challenge to the 91 municipalities in Saint Louis County to embrace the theme of National Public Health Week by encouraging more active living in their communities as well.

Mr. Dooley has officially proclaimed this week National Public Health Week in Saint Louis County and has also issued a proclamation recognizing the efforts of Live Well Ferguson – a program in the City of Ferguson to encourage better eating habits and a more active lifestyle among the city’s residents. Live Well Ferguson is a collaboration between the City of Ferguson and Trailnet, a local not-for-profit organization that promotes active living and helps communities design urban environments that are compatible with active lifestyles.

The Health Department is also using National Public Health Week as an opportunity to emphasize the importance of healthy eating and an active lifestyle as well as to highlight the many different programs it has to safeguard public health.

Among the many programs run by the Health Department are programs for milk testing, animal control, vital records management, disease tracking, emergency preparedness, air monitoring, immunizations, primary health clinics, recycling education, restaurant inspections, lead testing, and mosquito control.

For more information about National Public Health Week, visit:

For more information about the Saint Louis County Department of Health, visit:

(March 19, 2010) Saint Louis County has been awarded more than $7.5 million for tobacco education and cessation efforts by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The grant funds will be spent locally over the next two years.

“We are very excited about this award and look forward to the positive benefits it will have on the lives of Saint Louis County residents,” said County Executive Charlie A. Dooley. “We are also very proud of our County Health Department for applying for and securing these funds for Saint Louis County.”

The tobacco education and cessation grant awarded to Saint Louis County is for $7,593,110. Earlier today, 44 Prevention and Wellness Grants were announced by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, altogether totaling $372.8 million.

The funds will be spent locally to educate youth about the dangers of tobacco use, to educate the general population about the dangers of secondhand smoke, and to assist smokers who want to quit the habit.

Added Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health, “We have long known that tobacco is public health enemy number one. This grant will go a long way in helping us fight the problems associated with tobacco use on a local level.”

Spending specifics will not be available for about a month. The Saint Louis County Department of Health will be working with the CDC over the next 30 days to create a detailed budget for the entire grant award.

The County Health Department will work with a variety of community partners over the next two years to achieve the grant’s goals. Among others, these partners will include Washington University’s Center for Tobacco Policy Research, the St. Louis University School of Public Health, and Tobacco Free Missouri – Greater St. Louis Coalition.

In addition, the department will work with local schools, businesses, and other private organizations to educate people about tobacco issues. There will also be a media element to the grant-funded program that will dovetail into the national anti-tobacco “Truth Campaign.”

This funding opportunity is a result of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and is being provided jointly by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion (NCCDPHP), and the Division of Adult and Community Health (DACH).

For additional information about the Communities Putting Prevention to Work (CPPW) initiative and grants, visit www.cdc.gov/chronicdisease/recovery/community.htm.

For more information about the Saint Louis County Department of Health, visit www.stlouisco.com/doh.

(February 17, 2010) Saint Louis County received high rankings in a just-released study of health indicators published by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Many of the public health challenges studied in the report are already being directly addressed by various ongoing efforts and programs run by the County Health Department.

“The findings in the Robert Wood Johnson clearly reflect our continuing efforts to improve public health in several important areas,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the County Health Department.

Ongoing public health initiatives run by the department focus on many major local health concerns, including smoking rates, obesity, poor diet, lack of access to healthcare services, and environmental challenges such as air, food, and water quality. The department is committed to keeping Saint Louis County one of the best places in the state to live, work, or visit.

Added Dr. Gunn, “Public health is about identifying health outcome disparities and working to reduce or even eliminate them. For years we have known that health outcomes are closely tied to socioeconomic factors. Wealthier areas tend to have better health outcomes, whereas poorer areas tend to have worse health outcomes.”

Access to primary health care services is a vital part of achieving good health outcomes. In Saint Louis County, the health department operates three primary care health centers that serve the residents of the region. These three health clinics offer a full array of primary health care services including pediatric services, dental services, OB/GYN services, WIC services, STD testing, and immunizations for school and travel.

The three primary care health clinics are located throughout the county as follows:

John C. Murphy Health Center
6065 Helen Avenue
Berkeley, MO 63134

North Central Community Health Center
4000 Jennings Station Road
Pine Lawn, MO 63121

South County Health Center
4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard
Sunset Hills, MO 63127

For more information about Robert Wood Johnson County Health Rankings Report, visit www.CountyHealthRankings.org.

For more information about the Saint Louis County Department of Health or the department’s three health clinics, visit www.stlouisco.com/doh.

(February 9, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health is offering free H1N1 vaccinations each Wednesday through the end of February from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chesterfield City Hall.

Chesterfield City Hall is located at 690 Chesterfield Parkway West, at the intersection of Swingley Ridge Road. No appointment is necessary to attend; however, the vaccine cannot be given to children under the age of 6 months.

In addition to the weekly Wednesday events in Chesterfield, the health department will continue to offer H1N1 vaccine on a daily basis at two of its three health centers.

The vaccine is available free of charge at the North Central Community Health Center, located at 4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except Thursdays, when the H1N1 clinic is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The vaccine is also available at the South County Health Center, located at 4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard in Sunset Hills, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, except Wednesdays, when the H1N1 clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Despite the availability of the vaccine, the health department emphasizes that residents should not lower their guard. The traditional methods of prevention remain important:

• Cover your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
• Keep a distance of three feet between you and other people.
• Stay home if you are sick (or keep your children home if they are sick).
• Go home if you become sick (or pick your children up from school early if they become sick).

For more information, please call (314) 615-5000, or visit the health department’s flu website at:

(January 29, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health will be offering free H1N1 vaccinations on Wednesday, February 3^rd, and every Wednesday thereafter through the end of February from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Chesterfield City Hall.

Chesterfield City Hall is located at 690 Chesterfield Parkway West, at the intersection of Swingley Ridge Road. No appointment is necessary to attend; however, the vaccine cannot be given to children under the age of 6 months.

In addition to the weekly Wednesday events in Chesterfield, the health department will continue to offer H1N1 vaccine on a daily basis at two of its three health centers.

The vaccine is available free of charge at the North Central Community Health Center, located at 4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. daily, except Thursdays, when the H1N1 clinic is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

The vaccine is also available at the South County Health Center, located at 4580 South Lindbergh Boulevard in Sunset Hills, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, except Wednesdays, when the H1N1 clinic is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Despite the availability of the vaccine, the health department emphasizes that residents should not lower their guard. The traditional methods of prevention remain important:

• Cover your mouth whenever you sneeze or cough.
• Wash your hands regularly, especially after sneezing, coughing, or blowing your nose.
• Keep a distance of three feet between you and other people.
• Stay home if you are sick (or keep your children home if they are sick).
• Go home if you become sick (or pick your children up from school early if they become sick).

For more information about the H1N1 vaccine and where to be vaccinated, please call (314) 615-5000, or visit the Health Department’s flu website at:

(January 16, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health continued its comprehensive campaign Saturday to protect against another outbreak of the H1N1 virus. The health department has now distributed more than 286,000 vaccine doses in the county.

“We are very pleased that so many area residents have taken advantage of the many opportunities to protect themselves and their families that the department has provided,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the County Health Department.

The health department partnered with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to hold the two Saturday vaccination events at Hazelwood East High School and Mehlville High School. They were also assisted by volunteers from the Civil Air Patrol (Missouri Wing, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary).

In addition to the free clinics, where 515 residents were vaccinated Saturday, the county health department is offering free H1N1 vaccine every Wednesday in January at the Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park (550 Weidman Road) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and every weekday at two of its health centers:

The free H1N1 vaccinations are available at the North Central Community Health Center every Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except on Thursday when they are offered from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

At the South County Health Center, the free H1N1 vaccinations are available every Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., except on Wednesday when they are offered from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

All of these clinics are free walk-in clinics – no appointment is necessary.

For more information about the H1N1 vaccine and where to be vaccinated, please call (314) 615-5000, or visit the Health Department’s flu website at:

(January 11, 2010) The Saint Louis County Department of Health will be offering free H1N1 flu vaccinations to county residents at two locations on Saturday, January 16^th. The vaccinations are being offered free-of-charge to any county resident six months of age and over.

The two free Saturday clinic locations are:

“Efforts by the health department to make the vaccine available to everyone have contributed to the sharp drop in the number of H1N1 cases,” said Dr. Dolores J. Gunn, Director of the County Health Department. “However, pandemics have historically come in three waves and the Saint Louis area has only experienced two waves so far. We join with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in urging everyone to get vaccinated.”

At least 8,000 doses of vaccine will be available at the Saturday clinics – 4,000 at each of the two sites. A mixture of H1N1 shots and intranasal mist will be available at each site. Because of limited supplies, it will not be possible to honor individual preferences. The type of vaccine used will be based on what is medically appropriate for each patient.

Those wishing to be vaccinated will need to obtain a line ticket from one of the clinic locations prior to being admitted. A drive-through distribution area for handing out line tickets will be set up at each location. Line tickets will be available starting at 7:00 a.m. The vaccinations will be administered between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Participants are asked to wear clothing that allows easy arm access to help speed the process.

The Saturday vaccination clinics will be the third round of Saturday clinics held by the county. On November 7^th, the county vaccinated 5,446 area residents, and on December 5^th, the county vaccinated another 7,869 area residents at Saturday clinics. To date, the county health department has received and distributed more than 272,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine to area residents.

The county health department is partnering with the Visiting Nurses Association (VNA) to hold the two events this Saturday. They are also being assisted by volunteers from the Civil Air Patrol (Missouri Wing, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary).

In addition to the two free clinics on Saturday, January 16^th, the county health department is also offering free vaccine every Wednesday in January at the Greensfelder Recreation Complex in Queeny Park (550 Weidman Road) from 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and every weekday at two of its health centers:

The free H1N1 vaccinations are available at the North Central Community Health Center every Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., except on Thursday when they are offered from 9:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m.

At the South County Health Center, the free H1N1 vaccinations are available every Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., except on Wednesday when they are offered from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.

All of these clinics are free walk-in clinics – no appointment is necessary.

Adults and youth aged 10 and over require one dose of vaccine to achieve immunity; children under 10 years of age require two doses, spaced at least four (4) weeks apart.

For more information about the H1N1 vaccine and where to be vaccinated, please call (314) 615-5000, or visit the Health Department’s flu website at: