CDC Health Advisory - Influenza / H1N1 Resource Information Oct 2009
H1N1 Vaccination
Free to Expectant Parents and Children Under age 10
Monroe County Public Health Department has Preservation (thermisol) free doses of H1N1 Flu vaccines available for expecting moms and young children under the age of 10.

Contact: Joan E. Higgs, R.N., Director – 305-292-6871

The Center for Disease Control has issued the following recommendations for pregnant women and families.

Why are pregnant women prioritized for vaccination?
Data from early 2009 H1N1 influenza cases in the US show that pregnant women account for a disproportionate number of deaths, making them a high priority for the vaccination. People who live with or provide care for infants younger than six months, parents, siblings and day care providers and children and young adults aged six months through 24 years of age. Click here for more CDC resources.

---

Pandemic Preparedness for Mothers and Families
What you need to know to care for yourself and your family.

The World Health Organization has been involved in preparing countries to monitor and respond to diseases and other health threats that could affect the entire world.

The United States has taken the advice of the World Health Organization and has asked each state to prepare a pandemic preparedness plan.

Monroe County and the Florida Keys have a community plan, and there are plans set up by the State of Florida to protect the health and lives of our citizens. The Florida Keys Healthy Start Coalition is working on making sure mothers and infants are prepared.

For instance, a recent study shows that 58 percent of mothers of children age five and younger admit that they do not even have a three-day supply of water on hand for their family in an emergency.

We want to make sure mothers have all the information they need
to help themselves in a time of health crisis.

---

Florida Keys Leaders are Planning for Pandemic Flu...
Are you?

Special plans need to be made for households with young children, babies, or a baby on the way. It is our hope and wish that you will use this website to assist you with your planning. As well, we recommend that you stay in contact with your healthcare provider for what is recommended for you adn your care.

Mothers know how to take charge as the experts in caring for the family. With that in mind, we want to make sure mothers have all the information they need to help themselves and their family in a time of health crisis. So what is the first step?

Think "hurricane ready," but longer.

Here in South Florida, our summers are filled with hurricane coverage and how to prepare for a storm. We have all seen the checklists including food, household supplies, and water. This is very similar to pandemic preparedness.

When preparing for a pandemic health crisis, two weeks of supply is recommended.

Attention Health Care Providers
Please contact our office for assistance in receiving Maternity or Infant Care Passports, and other information that will help you help the mothers of the Keys.

"We are appealing to the media to make people more aware. We need awareness, not panic."
World Health Organization