The Texas Department of State Health Services has issued an advisory warning people to limit their consumption of crappie, gar and largemouth bass from Village Creek in Hardin County near Beaumont.

The advisory was issued after laboratory testing showed elevated levels of mercury in fish samples from the three species taken from the creek. Other fish species such as blue catfish, channel catfish, freshwater drum and spotted bass were sampled and are not included in the advisory.

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The Texas Department of State Health Services has established www.TexasFlu.org as an information and reference source for seasonal and H1N1 flu.

The site will be updated with new and revised information as the flu season progresses.

We encourage you to visit the site, bookmark it and sign up to receive notices of updates via e-mail and Twitter.

Texas Department of State Health Services
NEWS RELEASE
September 4, 2009

Get Seasonal Flu Shot Now

The Texas Department of State Health Services is encouraging people to get their seasonal flu vaccination now.

“Don’t wait. Get your seasonal flu vaccination now,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS Commissioner. “It’s one of the best ways to protect yourself and others from seasonal flu.”

Seasonal flu vaccine, available in shot and nasal spray forms, is recommended for people ages 6 months and older. The shot takes about two weeks to become effective. A separate 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine is not expected until mid-October.

“Get the seasonal flu vaccine now. Then, be prepared get the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine later. One vaccine isn’t a substitute for the other,” Lakey said.

People at high risk of having serious flu complications are especially encouraged to get their seasonal flu shot as soon as possible. This includes children ages 6 months through 18 years, those 50 and older, people with chronic medical conditions, residents of long-term care facilities and pregnant women. People who have close contact with those at high risk also should get vaccinated.

People wanting the seasonal flu vaccine should call their health care provider, local public health department, 2-1-1 or check online at www.211Texas.org for availability.

Lakey also urged people to follow standard illness-prevention steps:

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
• Cover coughs and sneezes;
• Stay home if sick.

The following is information concerning the H1N1 vaccine.

Persons who will need the vaccine:
• pregnant women
• healthcare workers
• emergency responders
• household members and caregivers of children under the age of 6 months
• anyone 6 months to 24 years of age
• adults age 25 – 64 with chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, etc.

H1N1 vaccine is not available at this time
It should be available in mid-October.

It is expected to be a two-part vaccine administered 3-4 weeks apart.

The H1N1 vaccine does not take the place of the seasonal flu vaccine.

You can visit the Texas Department of State Health Services website at texasflu.org to obtain more information.

Jasper Newton County Public Health District will hold season flu vaccine clinics on the following dates at the following office locations:

September 9: Kirbyville – 205-A E. Lavielle and Newton – 210 High Street

September 11: Jasper – 139 West Lamar Street

September 14: Buna – Highway 96 and FM 1004

Pneumonia vaccines will also be available.

Medicare will be accepted. All others will be charged $25.00 for flu vaccine and $35.00 for pneumonia vaccine.