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 vaccine at no charge only to those with Hoosier Healthwise, Medicaid, no insurance, or whose health insurance does not cover vaccination.  Prior to scheduling an appointment, guardians must call their insurance company to verify whether or not their insurance covers vaccination.  If your child has insurance coverage for vaccinations, including any deductible, the vaccines must be obtained through your healthcare provider.  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.

Recommended reading: Paren'ts Guide to Childhood Immunizations

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
Tdap - Adults 19 years old and above $40.00
Hepatitis A - Adult $25.00
Hepatitis B - Adult

$40.00

TB Skin Test $4.00
HPV - available for females & males up through 18 years of age Free
Zostavax (shingles) - available to those 50 years of age and older.  May be covered by medicare part D - call for availability $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 your child has has immunizations at the Wells County Health Department before, and 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.  If they have not recieved immunizations at the Wells County Health Department, see below:

Where are my (or my child's) immunization records?

There is no central repository of vaccination records. The only records that exist are the ones you or your parents were given when the vaccines were administered, and the ones in the medical record of the doctor or clinic where the vaccines were given. Sometimes schools hold the vaccination records of children who attended, but these records are usually not kept for more than a year or two.

If you cannot locate your personal record or the record from your doctor, it may be necessary to repeat some of the vaccines or arrange blood tests to determine your immunity.

Where can I look for existing immunization records?
Children's records
    • Sometimes schools hold the vaccination records of children who attended, but these records are generally not kept for more than a year or two or, at the longest, until graduation. After a student graduates, records are sent to storage and may not be accessible.
    • Look for family records such as a baby book.
    • Check for records with your doctor or public health clinic. Please keep in mind, however, that immunization records are maintained for a limited number of years, and then usually only by the medical provider who actually administered the vaccines.
College student's records
    • Many colleges provide vaccinations (often, certain vaccinations are required for enrollment). Contact your college's medical services department (student health) for further information.
Military records
    • Check your military records.

 

Who is responsible for keeping immunization records?

In most states, it is the responsibility of the parents of school-aged children, not family doctors, to provide vaccination records to the health department and to schools.

Today we move, travel, and change health providers more than we did in previous generations. Also, doctor's offices and clinics store records of children's vaccinations and the dates they were received only for a few years. If you keep an accurate record, you will be more likely to remember when to bring your children in for the next visit. These records also can prove that your children are up to date with their immunizations. In most states, children are not allowed to enter school or childcare unless they can prove that they meet all school immunization requirements.

Your doctor or clinic will be happy to give you an immunization record form for your use. Bring this record with you whenever you take your child to the doctor or clinic, and ask the doctor to sign and date the form each time a vaccination is given. That way, you can be sure that the immunization information is current and correct.

Finally, make sure you know if your doctor participates in an immunization registry. However, keep in mind that very few registries existed prior to the mid-1990's.

 

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

 

Influenza (The Flu)

What is the flu?

Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses.  It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death.  The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year.  Every year in the United States, an average of 5%-20% of the population gets the flu; more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from it. Some people, such as the elderly, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications.

Complications of flu

Complications resulting from the flu may include pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

How flu spreads

Flu viruses spread mainly from person to person through coughing or sneezing on people with influenza.  Sometimes people may become infected by touching something with flu viruses on it and then touching their mouth or nose.  Most healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning one day before symptoms develop, and up to 5 days after becoming sick.  That means you may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. 

Preventing Seasonal Flu

The single best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu vaccination each year.  There are two types of vaccines:

1.  The "flu shot" - an inactivated vaccine (containing killed viruses) that is given with a needle.  The flu shot is approved for use in people 6 months of age and older, including healthy people and people with chronic medical conditions.

2.  The nasal-spray - a vaccine made with live, weakened flu viruses (sometimes called LAIV for "live attenuated influenza vaccine) that do not cause the flu.  LAIV is approved for use in health people 2-49 years of age who are not pregnant.

About two weeks after vaccination, antibodies develop that protect against influenza virus infection.  Flu vaccines will not protect against flu-like illnesses caused by non-influenza viruses. You cannot get the flu from the vaccine.  However, flu vaccine will not protect you from other lung infections, such as colds and bronchitis.

 
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