Public Health News Announcements
Welcome to the Department of Public Health's Online Newsroom, a one-stop source for community members seeking public health information, news, and new activities within the Department.
Real-Time News
January 2010
February 2010
2009Public Health News Archive
Follow the most recent seasonal influenza activity map for the entire country as well as the activity levels from previous weeks in the current flu season.
The seasonal flu vaccines are available at this time. The vaccine will protect you from the seasonal flu strains expected this year but will not protect you from the H1N1 flu virus. Seasonal flu shots are recommended for:
- Children age 6 months up to 19 years;
- Pregnant women;
- People age 50 and older;
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions;
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities;
- People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:a. Health care workers; b. Household contacts of persons at high risk for complications from the flu; c. Household contacts and out of home caregivers of children less than 6 months old.
In California, most seasonal flu vaccine is provided by individual healthcare providers, large employers and pharmacies.
More Resources
Guidance on Seasonal Flu/H1N1
Guia de H1N1/Gripe
CDPH Vaccine Information
Vacunas y Mi Salud
Where we live matters to our health
The County Health Rankings project, a new collaboration of the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) and the University of Wisconsin Population Health Institute, examines health outcomes and determinants in every U.S. county. They have produced the first-ever nationwide County Health Rankings. The rankings help demonstrate how where we live, learn, work and play influence how healthy we are and how long we live.
The health of a community depends on many factors, including social and economic factors, the environment, individual behaviors, quality of health care, education, and jobs. Counties which are least healthy are more likely to have higher rates of obesity, higher rates of smoking, poorer quality health care, fewer opportunities for physical activity, and higher rates of unemployment and poverty.
Health is everyone’s responsibility--many factors influence the health of our community and we need to work together to create programs and policies that support healthier environments and help residents lead healthier lives.
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Visit Tulare County's Snap Shot
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Ways to Get Invovled
- To learn more about getting involved with the Public Health Department on our page: How You Can Help
- If you have a health community/support group, enter your information to include on our site Health Communities and Support Groups
- Coming in April- Public Health Week 2010- "A Healthier America: One Community at a Time" Community Dialogue/ Sharing Forums
- Visit the County Health Rankings website to learn about other ways on to Take Action
February is American Heart Month
Cardiovascular diseases, including stroke, are our nation's No. 1 killer. To urge Americans to join the
battle against these diseases, since 1963 Congress has required the president to proclaim February "American Heart Month." The American Heart Association works with the administration to draft and sign this annual proclamation.
Many Heart Healthy Resources are available at the following sites:
American Heart Association-American Heart Month
Go Red for Women Campaign
Recent American Heart Association News:
DALLAS, Feb. 1- From the leading authority on women’s heart health and the creators of the Go Red For Women movement, this is the ultimate resource on heart-healthy living for women of all ages. This groundbreaking book from the association will help you identify the risk factors you already have or are in danger of developing – and more important, how you can prevent them.
DALLAS, Jan. 20 - For the first time, the American Heart Association has defined “ideal cardiovascular health,” identifying seven health factors and lifestyle behaviors that support heart health.
CDPH BOOSTS VACCINATION MESSAGE WITH NEW AD CAMPAIGN
The California Department of Public Health Department (CDPH) announced today the launch of an advertising campaign to encourage all Californians to get vaccinated against H1N1. Entitled “Hands,” the television ad lays out simple facts about H1N1: the majority of Californians are still susceptible and vaccination is the best way people can protect themselves. The visuals show hands in a variety of situations where germs and flu viruses can spread, and encourages Californians to take the future of H1N1 into their own hands. (read More)
It's Not Too Late to Vaccinate! National Influenza Vaccine Week is January 10-16, 2010
NIVW was established to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination, as well as fostering greater use of flu vaccine after the holiday season.
Since 2009 H1N1 disease is likely to continue, NIVW is an important opportunity to maintain or increase the number of people who get the 2009 H1N1 vaccine at a time when demand for vaccine usually drops significantly. Though this has been an unprecedented year in terms of the number of people who have received flu vaccinations, most people still have not gotten the 2009 H1N1 vaccine - there is still room for improvement among every age and risk group. Influenza is unpredictable and we do not know the likelihood of a future wave of 2009 H1N1 influenza, but we do know that vaccination is the single best way to reduce the health impact of influenza.
Monday, January 11, 2010 is the official vaccination day for both health care workers and the general public.
Tuesday, January 12, 2010 is the designated vaccination day for people with chronic health conditions that put them at high-risk of serious influenza-related complications.
Wednesday, January 13, 2010 will highlight the importance of 2009 H1N1 vaccination for pregnant women, children, and caregivers of children less than 6 months of age.
Thursday, January 14, 2010 will be dedicated to the vaccination of Young Adults (19-24 yrs) who have been hit extremely hard by the 2009 H1N1 Virus.
Friday, January 15, 2010 has been designated Seniors' Vaccination Day, a reminder that older Americans should now seek 2009 H1N1 vaccine.
For more information about National Influenza Vaccination Week and how you can get involved in this event, visit the NIVW website. Find out about our H1N1 School Based Vaccination Clinics
HEALTH ALERT
H1N1 and Seasonal Flu Guidance Chart