Preparing for Flu Season

A new and very different influenza virus called "2009 H1N1"  flu (commonly referred to in the media as  "Swine Flu") has emerged and is causing illness in people worldwide. This flu season may be more severe than usual beause of the new H1N1 virus. This means that more people may become sick and more people may get seriously sick. Also, regular seasonal flu viruses will continue to spread and cause illness too.

The City of Klamath Falls is working closely with the Klamath County Health Department  and several other agencies to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take in the event of a significant flu outbreak here in our community. We will work to keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.

MEDIA RELEASE - H1N1 Vaccine Clinics for Klamath County and Klamath Falls City Schools Students

The Klamath County Health Department with help from other partner agencies and community healthcare professionals will be holding H1N1 Vaccination Clinics within the Klamath County and Klamath Falls City Schools throughout the month of January beginning Wednesday, January 13th.

In November, parents were asked to complete a survey regarding if they would like their student to receive the H1N1 Vaccine. Parents who indicated on the survey that they would like their child to receive the vaccine will receive the necessary paperwork. Parents who have subsequently decided they now wish their child be vaccinated can pick up the required paperwork at the school. Paperwork needs to be completed and returned prior to the day of the school’s vaccination clinic.

On December 14, Oregon Public Health announced the H1N1 vaccine is available to everyone. Previously the vaccine had been prioritized to groups most at risk from H1N1 influenza.

Oregon Public Health recommends that everyone get vaccinated, but it's still especially important that those at high risk for complications from flu do so. Children and young people aged 6 months to 24 years are one of the groups considered high risk for flu complications.

Influenza disease activity increased nationally during the week of Dec. 20-26, 2009, after eight consecutive weeks of decline. Oregon, however, is in one of two out of 10 national regions where current activity is considered “normal” instead of “elevated” for this time of year. Each person that receives the H1N1 vaccine will help prevent increased flu activity in Oregon this winter and spring.

For more information on H1N1 influenza visit: the FLU OREGONwebsite or call the Oregon Flu Hotline, 1-800-978-3040.