PUBLIC HEALTH NURSING
Contacts |
Darlene Gerdom, RN
Public Health Nurse Supervisor
Wells County Health Department
Phone:260-824-6493
Fax: 260-824-8803
dkgerdom@wellscounty.org |
Marcia Surine, RN
Public Health Nurse
Wells County Health Department
Phone: 260-824-6494
Fax: 260-824-8803
msurine@wellscounty.org |
The Nursing Division is responsible for providing low or no-cost vaccines to adults and children, as well as performing various health screenings for Wells County residents. This Division of the Health Department plays a vital role in disease prevention and control in our County, not only by providing these services to our residents, but also by equipping the public with information regarding current illness outbreaks and various public health concerns so that they can protect themselves and their families. The Public Health Nurses also administer vaccines at mass clinics throughout the County during times of widespread illness or an epidemic.
Childhood Immunizations
The Wells County Health Department offers all childhood immunizations at no charge. Walk-ins are accepted, but it is suggested that you call for an appointment for both childhood and adult vaccinations to assure availability of the nurses and vaccines. Appointments can be scheduled for the hours of 8:00am-11:30pm & 1:00
pm-4:00pm, Monday-Friday.
Why are infant and childhood immunizations so important?
These shots protect children from diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella (German measles), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping cough), polio, Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib), hepatitis B, pneumococcal infections, rotovirus, influenza, and chickenpox. By getting your child immunized, you will be fighting disease in two ways. First, you will be protecting your own child. Secondly, since healthy children don't spread disease, you will be protecting other children as well.
What if my child did not get her shots when she was supposed to, or has gotten behind schedule?
The recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule is available in PDF format under the Health Safety Information section below. If you have children who did not begin their immunizations at two months of age, or who have had only some of their shots, they can still be fully immunized. It is never too late to start getting immunizations. If you child has only had some of his/her shots, he/she does not have to start over. The shots already given will count. We will continue the schedule where they left off. If you have children who were not immunized when they were infants, contact your doctor or the Wells County Health Department. The public health nurses will be able to tell you when to bring your children in for their shots and what shots they need.
Services Provided
Adult Vaccinations Pregnancy Testing Head Lice Check
Childhood Immunizations Blood Lead Screening Travel Immunizations
Blood Pressure Screenings Tuberculosis (TB) skin test - Those receiving a TB test must return to
the Health Department or a health care provider within 48-72 hours to re-
check the area of the skin that was tested
Immunization Fees
| Childhood Immunizations - infant through 18 years old |
Free |
| Hepatitis A - infant through 18 years old |
Free |
| Hepatitis B - infant through 19 years old |
Free |
| Td (tetanus/diphtheria) - adult |
Free |
DTaP (diphtheria/tetanus/pertussis) - children & adults |
Free |
| MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) - available to adult students |
Free |
| Varicella (chickenpox) - available to adult students |
Free |
| MCV4 (meningitis) - available to first year college students |
Free |
| Twinrix (hepatitis A/B) available to adults under certain conditions |
Free |
| Hepatitis A - Adult |
$25.00 |
| Hepatitis B - Adult |
$35.00 |
| TB Skin Test |
$4.00 |
| HPV - available for females 19 to 26 years of age |
Free |
| Zostavax (shingles) - available to those 60 years of age and older if not covered by medicare part D |
$175.00 |
For immunization questions, please contact our Nursing Department, the American Academy of Pediatrics, or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For specific information about travel immunizations you might need, please visit www.cdc.gov/travel. To schedule travel immunizations, it is best to contact the Health Department at least six (6) weeks prior to traveling, as some immunizations require a series of shots over a period of time.
If you would like a copy of your or your child's vaccination records, please contact the Health Department at any time, Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Health Safety Information
Immunization Schedule Flu Checklist
Vaccinations for Adults H1N1 Vaccine - Inactivated shot
Hepatitis A Vaccine - What You Need to Know H1N1 Vaccine - Nasal Spray
Hepatitis B Vaccine - What You Need to Know DTaP Vaccine - What You Need to Know
HPV Vaccine - What You Need to Know Hib Vaccine - What You Need To Know
MMR Vaccine - What You Need to Know Meningococcal Vaccine - What You Need to Know
Do You Know The Difference?
Seasonal flu vs. Stomach flu
|
Seasonal Flu (influenza virus)
Viral infection
Affects upper respiratory system
Usually lasts 1-2 weeks
Fever (usually high)
Headache
Extreme tiredness
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle aches
|
Stomach flu (viral gastroenteritis)
Viral infection
Affects the stomach & small intestine
Usually lasts 1-3 days
Nausea
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Mild fever
Fatigue
Chills
Muscle aches |
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