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 |
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