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Free H1N1 Vaccinations Coming To White Center Thursday

Scott Schaefer — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 18:23:58 +0000

If you haven’t yet been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, you’ll have a chance to get one FREE this Thursday (Jan. 14th) between 1pm and 8pm at the Sea Mar Clinic in White Center.

Sea Mar is located at 9650 15th Ave. S.W. #100, and please note that shots will be given on a first come, first served basis. No reservations will be taken.

If you can’t make it Thursday, you can also get a free vaccination at the South Park Sea Mar Clinic on Tuesday, Jan. 12th from 1pm to 8pm. That clinic is located at 8720 14th Ave South.

For more information, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1. The Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) is staffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. The Flu Hotline is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over the weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

Here’s a press release from King County Public Health:

Over 600,000 people in King County have been vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza (“swine flu”), but many people in King County do not yet have immunity and remain at risk to a virus that continues to circulate in the community. With vaccine availability continuing to widen, now is a good time for anyone six months of age and older to take advantage of the vaccination opportunity.

H1N1 vaccine is available at many health care providers and local participating pharmacies. For people who can’t afford to pay, Public Health – Seattle & King County is announcing new community H1N1 vaccination clinics during January. More information is available at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

“H1N1 influenza has caused severe illness particularly among children, as well as pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions and weakened immune systems,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We’re still seeing H1N1 influenza illness in our community, and we can prevent new waves of infection in coming months by vaccinating more people now. The current vaccine has been found to be very effective in protecting against the H1N1 virus.”

The overall death rate due to H1N1 has been lower than expected, but the death rate among children has been 5 to 10 times higher than seasonal influenza. For children under ten years old who have received one dose of vaccine, now is a good time to get a second dose of vaccine if 28 days or more have passed since the first dose.

As of this week, approximately 757,000 doses of H1N1 vaccine have been received in King County, and approximately 643,000 people have been vaccinated.

Public Health, Healthpoint and Sea Mar have vaccination clinics scheduled during the month of January for those who cannot afford to pay. Given the importance of continued influenza immunization, January 10-16, 2010 is National Influenza Vaccination Week.

New clinics and vaccine availability:

Sea Mar – White Center (9650 15th Ave. S.W. #100) Thursday, January 14; 1 pm – 8 pm

Sea Mar – South Park (8720 14th Ave S) Tuesday, January 12th ; 1 pm – 8 pm

Renton Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St) Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30; 10 am – 4 pm; Wednesdays, January 13, 20 , 27; 4 pm – 8 pm

North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N) Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30; 10 am – 4 pm; Wednesdays, January 13, 20 , 27; 4 pm – 8 pm

Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S) Saturdays, January 9, 16, 23, 30; 10 am – 4 pm; Wednesdays, January 13, 20 , 27; 4 pm – 8 pm

H1N1 Vaccine Available To All Starting Saturday; Nearest Is In SeaTac

Scott Schaefer — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 04:56:04 +0000

King County Public Health on Wednesday (Dec. 9th) announced that starting this Saturday, Dec. 12th, the H1N1 influenza vaccine will be provided to everybody six months of age and older in King County, with the nearest available at SeaTac HealthPoint, which is located at 4040 South 188th Street.

However, depending on the demand, supplies may be limited for a time at some locations.

The county is taking this next step in widening H1N1 vaccine eligibility because many health care providers in King County are now reporting that they are able to meet the demand for their highest risk patients and vaccine supplies are increasing and expected to continue to rise steadily.

â€œWeâ€™re pleased that many of our highest risk residents have been vaccinated and that we have enough vaccine now to open eligibility to anyone who wants it,â€ said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. â€œEven though flu has peaked, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in our community. Getting vaccinated is still a very good idea.â€

As of Dec. 4, an estimated 380,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza, and an additional 58,000 doses of vaccine are on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county.

Vaccination continues to be particularly important for people at highest risk for H1N1, including pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age, people between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old, people between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems, and healthcare and emergency workers.

New clinics and vaccine availability â€¨H1N1 vaccine is available from local health care providers and pharmacies; see availability at pharmacies. â€¨Additionally, some health centers are offering free H1N1 vaccination to people who cannot afford to pay.

Clinics will be held from 9am â€“ 3pm on:

Saturday, Dec. 12th
Wednesday, Dec. 16th
Saturday, Dec. 19th

At these HealthPoint clinics:

SeaTac HealthPoint: 4040 S. 188th Street, Suite 201;Phone: (206) 277-7200
Kent HealthPoint: 403 E. Meeker
Auburn HealthPoint: 126 Auburn Avenue, Suite 400
Redmond HealthPoint: 16315 NE 87th Street, Suite B6

Public Health will also hold five free H1N1 clinics this Saturday and next Saturday, Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. These same sites, except for Eastgate Public Health Center, will also have clinics on Wednesday, December 16 from noon to 7 p.m. at:

Renton Public Health Center, 3001 NE 4th Street
Federal Way Public Health Center, 33431 13th Place South
Seattle: Columbia Public Health Center, 4400 37th Ave South
Seattle: North Public Health Center, 10501 Meridian Ave North
Bellevue: Eastgate Public Health Center, 14350 SE Eastgate Way

Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a designated time later that day to return and receive their vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be informed as soon as they arrive.

For more information on future clinics and other H1N1 updates, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1.

You can also call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions about H1N1 influenza from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with a special 24-hour nurse line service extended over the weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

King County Opening 4 Free H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Dec. 5th & 9th

Scott Schaefer — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 23:46:59 +0000

King County Public Health announced Monday (Nov. 30th) that it is opening up four free H1N1 vaccine clinics beginning this Saturday, Dec. 5th, then again on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, as a way to provide access to people at highest risk for H1N1 influenza (swine flu) who cannot afford to pay.

The nearest clinics will be in Renton or Federal Way, with 4,000 doses total (distributed to all 4 sites) available on Saturday, Dec. 5th, from 9am to 5pm and 1,000 doses total on Wednesday, Dec. 9th, from Noon to 7pm; here’s the list:

Renton Public Health Center (3001 NE 4th St., Renton)
Federal Way Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S., Federal Way)
Columbia Public Health Center (4400 37th Ave S., Seattle)
North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave N., Seattle)

Future clinic dates will be scheduled as more vaccine becomes available.

According to a press release:

More H1N1 influenza vaccine continues to arrive every week, and most vaccine is still going to local health care providers for at risk patients. Local pharmacies are also receiving limited ongoing allocations.

“As more vaccine comes into the community, we’re continuing to allocate limited amounts to people without insurance or who can’t afford to pay,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “We encourage people to seek H1N1 vaccine through their health care providers or through pharmacies if they can afford the administrative cost or if insurance covers it.”

An estimated 280,000 people in King County who are at high-risk for complications have already been vaccinated for H1N1 influenza and an additional 90,000 doses of vaccine is on the ground or in the process of being shipped to vaccine providers in the county. Though flu illness seems to have peaked locally, at least temporarily, H1N1 illness continues in the community, and vaccination is the best wait to protect against H1N1 influenza.

On December 5, there will be a total of 4,000 doses of vaccine available across the four sites, and on December 9, there will be 1,000 doses of vaccine. Vaccinations are first come, first served, and no reservations will be taken. If demand is high, people will be given a time later that day to return for a guaranteed vaccination. Once supply is exhausted, people will be told as soon as they arrive.

The ability to pay will be determined on the honor system, and it will be assumed that people getting vaccinated at one of the four clinics cannot afford the administrative cost of H1N1 vaccination.

Most of the vaccine arriving to King County continues to be allocated to health care providers so that they can vaccinate patients who are most at risk, including:

Pregnant women

People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age

People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old

People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems

Healthcare and emergency workers

People who are recommended to receive H1N1 vaccine should continue to seek it. Vaccine supply is gradually improving each week, and it is expected that eventually there will be enough vaccine in King County for anyone who wants it.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators to answer questions from King County residents about H1N1 influenza. Hours of operation with operators are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays, with special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information is available 24 hours a day.

More H1N1 Vaccine Released & Here’s Where You Can Get Yours (Map)

Scott Schaefer — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 22:51:42 +0000

King County Public Health announced Friday (Nov. 6th) that it is now offering a limited supply (15,000 for now) of H1N1 vaccines to qualified people at area pharmacies, including one in Burien and two in White Center.

To get vaccinated, you have to make an appointment by telephone, and meet the criteria listed below:

Pregnant women
People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years old
People between 25 through 64 years of age with chronic health conditions or weakened immune systems
Healthcare and emergency workers with direct patient contact

The only Burien pharmacy currently with the new batch is:

Albertsons-Sav-On
12725 First Ave. S.
Burien, WA 98168
(206) 439-7212

Here are two others in nearby White Center:

Walgreens
9456 16th Ave SW
White Center, 98106
(206) 767-2294
Albertsons-Sav-On
10616 16th Avenue S.W.
White Center, 98146
(206) 242-6310

Many of the 44 participating pharmacies are taking appointments by phone starting today (Fri. Nov. 6th); some will be holding walk-up clinics without appointment starting next week. The full list of participating pharmacies, including hours, types of vaccine available, vaccination age ranges and administrative fee, is posted at www.kingcounty.gov/healthservices/health/preparedness/pandemicflu/swineflu/locations.aspx. This site will be updated Monday through Friday by noon; people should contact pharmacies directly for the most up-to-date information.

With limited national vaccine supplies, Public Health – Seattle & King County has had to delay its plan to make vaccine widely available through community venues. As more vaccine becomes available, there will be additional sites for getting vaccinated, including community clinics.

“Making vaccine available through pharmacies is an important next step in protecting our community, but supplies at both pharmacies and health care providers will continue to be limited for at least several weeks,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director and Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “Eventually there will be enough vaccine for everyone who wants to get vaccinated, but we are still dealing with limited vaccine supplies.”

With the latest deliveries this week, King County has received approximately 142,000 doses of vaccine. A new allocation of approximately 71,000 doses is being ordered for delivery to the county. Most of the vaccine is being made available through health care providers.

The amount of H1N1 vaccine at pharmacies will be limited, with each pharmacy receiving a few hundred doses each. Vaccine will be re-supplied to pharmacies as more becomes available over the coming weeks, so people should regularly check Public Health’s website for updates.

Many pharmacies are unable to vaccinate babies and young children because their staff is not licensed and/or trained for these age groups. Residents trying to vaccinate children should check with pharmacies directly and with their health care providers since vaccine is continuing to arrive.

Pharmacies may charge a fee for administering the vaccine, typically between $12 and $22 (not to exceed $22). This fee is covered by most health insurance. People should bring their health insurance information to the pharmacy, and they may need to submit a receipt to their insurance company for reimbursement.

Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for updates on vaccine availability in the community or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which is staffed with operators from 9am to 5pm weekdays to answer questions from residents about H1N1 influenza. There is also a special 24-hour nurse line service extended over this weekend for people with flu seeking medical care advice. Recorded information will be available 24 hours a day.

View King County pharmacies with H1N1 vaccine in a larger map

H1N1 Vaccine Coming To White Center Beginning Wednesday, Oct. 21st

Scott Schaefer — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 22:49:30 +0000

King County’s Public Health Department announced Tuesday that, beginning this Wednesday (Oct. 21st), the H1N1 flu vaccine will be available for those without health insurance at four clinics, including the White Center Public Health Center, located at 10821 8th Ave. SW.

Clinics will be open from 8:30am to 5:30pm on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays, and 8:30am – 7:00pm on Thursdays.

All clinics are walk-up and appointments will not be needed or scheduled.

For more information, visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for clinic directions.

Vaccinations at these clinics will continue over time, pending vaccine availability from the federal government.

According to a press release:

As private providers begin to receive H1N1 influenza vaccine for their patients at highest risk for complications, starting Wednesday, Oct. 21, Public Health – Seattle & King County is making vaccinations available for people without health insurance who are at increased risk because they have significant health problems.

Four Public Health vaccination clinics will be open to people up through 64 years of age who have significant health problems that put them at greater risk for serious complications for H1N1. Examples would include heart disease, lung disease, asthma, kidney disease, diabetes and HIV/AIDS.

Most children and pregnant women have public or private health care coverage, so it is anticipated that the clinics will primarily serve uninsured adults. People over age 65 are at relatively low risk for H1N1 influenza and so should not seek vaccination at this time.

For people who have health insurance, local health care providers are receiving initial, small shipments of vaccine for their existing patients who need protection most. Vaccine availability from health care providers is expected to improve gradually as additional supplies arrive in upcoming weeks.

Public Health clinic details

Four Public Health H1N1 vaccination clinics will be operated at the following locations:

White Center Public Health Center (10821 8th Ave. S.W., Seattle)

Alder Square Public Health Center (1404 Central Ave. S., Suites 101 & 112, Kent)

North Public Health Center (10501 Meridian Ave. N., Seattle)

Federal Way Public Health Center (33431 13th Place S., Federal Way)

All clinics will be open 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Fridays and 8:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. on Thursday. All clinics are walk-up and appointments will not be needed or scheduled. Visit the Public Health H1N1 influenza website at www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 for clinic directions.

Vaccinations at these clinics will continue over time, pending vaccine availability from the federal government.

Clinic locations may also expand with demand. As supply increases, more vaccine will be available in Public Health clinics and other community locations. The Public Health website will be updated regularly with information on vaccine availability.

Last Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that vaccine production is proceeding slower than originally expected, which will result in smaller amounts of vaccine in ongoing deliveries over the next two months.

Call center activation

Beginning Wednesday morning, Oct. 21, the Flu Hotline at 877-903-KING (5464) will be staffed with operators to answer questions about H1N1 influenza and provide information about Public Health – Seattle & King County vaccine clinic locations for people without insurance and with significant health problems. Hours of operation with operators will be 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays; recorded information will be available 24 hours a day.

Some Flu Detection Advice From Local Health Experts

Scott Schaefer — Wed, 06 May 2009 00:12:24 +0000

In an effort to avoid having to close any more schools, Public Health Seattle and King County is asking parents to be on the front line of stopping flu infections, and are offering this informational checklist for parents:

Please talk to your children about how they are feeling.

If your child is sick, keep your child home. Staying home when sick helps reduce exposure to others and helps the sick person get well faster.

Answer these questions every morning before sending your child to school or child care:

Does your child have a fever (100Âº F or 37. 7ÂºC)?

Does your child have a sore throat, cough, body aches, vomiting, or diarrhea?

If you answered â€œyesâ€ to both questions, your child might have the flu. Keep your child home from school for seven days or until symptoms are gone for 24 hours, whichever is longer.

If you answered â€œyesâ€ to only one of the questions, keep your child home from school until symptoms are gone for 24 hours.

In addition to health and safety information about H1N1/Swine Flu, starting tomorrow, Wednesday May 6th, the Flu Hotline will offer callers an opportunity to speak with registered nurses.

(The hotline starts with a recorded message, follow the prompts for the best language option and when asked if you want â€œhealth and safety information about the H1N1 fluâ€ or â€œif you have the flu,â€ follow the prompt to â€œif you have the flu.â€Â This will take you to the menu that allows you to select â€œtalk to a nurse.â€)

Hotline nurses will tell callers how to manage their symptoms at home, tell them if they need to see a doctor or health care provider and answer other medical questions about H1N1 flu.

The Flu Hotline number is 1-877-903 KING (5464)

For more information, go to Public Health’s web site:Â www.kingcounty.gov/health/H1N1 or call the Flu Hotline at 1-877-903-5464

UPDATE: Midway & Woodmont Schools To Re-Open Tuesday

Scott Schaefer — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:57:31 +0000

UPDATE: Both the Highline and Federal Way school districts decided late Monday to re-open both Midway and Woodmont Elementary Schools in Des Moines Tuesday morning, May 5th, after King County’s Public Health Department determined that it’s no longer necessary for schools to remain closed this week.

Midway will re-open at 9:15am and Woodmont at 10:15am.

Public Health has changed its recommendations for school closures based on new information about the swine flu virus, leading to the following conclusions:

Though it is a new virus strain, this strain of swine flu is no more severe than the common seasonal flu.
The virus is already widespread in the community, so closing schools will not be effective in limiting its spread.

Students scheduled to go to Camp Waskowitz will be transported to camp after school starts on Tuesday.

School will be in session regular hours Tuesday, May 5 through Thursday, May 7 (Friday is a non-student day, as previously scheduled).

An informational meeting for parents will be held Tuesday, May 5 at 5:30 p.m. at Midway (6:30 p.m. for Spanish-speaking parents.)

The district is monitoring the situation and working closely with Public Health. For a list of resources and information from Public Health, the CDC, and Highline Public Schools, click here.

The other Des Moines school that was closed, Woodmont Elementary, will stay closed until Monday, May 11th.

Midway Latest Area School To Close Due To Swine Flu

Scott Schaefer — Sat, 02 May 2009 00:15:43 +0000

by Scott Schaefer

Friday afternoon (5/1), King County Public Health identified a new probable case of swine flu in Des Moines, and subsequently closed Midway Elementary School there until Monday, May 11th.

The illness was mild, and the child is recovering.

The Highline School District school is located at 22447 24th Ave South in Des Moines, making it the second school in that city to be closed; as we previously reported, Woodmont Elementary was closed Thursday.

Here’s the statement as posted on the Highline School District website:

A student at Midway Elementary has been diagnosed with a probable case of swine flu. Public Health has requested the school be closed for seven days so there will be no school May 4 – 8.

School will resume at Midway on Monday, May 11.

The district is monitoring the situation and working closely with Public Health. For information on Highlineâ€™s response plan and what you can do to protect yourself and your family, click here.

Public Health also opened a Flu Hotline for the public at 1-877-903-KING (5464), which will be staffed from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Interpreters are available. This hotline will provide health and safety information on the current Swine Flu outbreak. If you need medical advice, contact your health care provider.

Some local hospitals and health care providers are reporting that many people are unnecessarily going to emergency rooms and doctors’ offices with mild symptoms. In terms of seeking medical care, use the same judgment you would use during a typical flu season.

Do not seek medical care if you are not ill or have mild symptoms for which you would not ordinarily seek medical care. If you have more severe symptoms of fever, cough, sore throat, body aches or are feeling more seriously ill, call your health care provider to discuss your symptoms and if you need to be evaluated.

“It is not surprising that we are seeing more infected people, and we expect more over the coming days and even weeks,” said Dr. David Fleming, Director & Health Officer for Public Health – Seattle & King County. “So far, locally and nationally, this swine flu strain appears to be no more severe than the flu we’d see in a typical flu season. We will continue to learn about this virus and watch its activity in the community.”

As the virus becomes more common, Public Health is recommending new steps to help reduce future infections in schools.

“Our parents are at the front lines of stopping the spread of infection. We are urging all parents to assess their kids every morning to see if they’re sick, and keep them home if they are,” said Dr. Fleming. “In addition, we will be working with schools across King County to help them establish health checks at school entry, so that sick students are identified and sent home before they expose other children.”

For more information, please visit King County’s special swine flu website here.

Des Moines’ Woodmont Elementary Closed Due To Swine Flu

Scott Schaefer — Fri, 01 May 2009 05:04:42 +0000

Effective Friday, May 1st, Woodmont Elementary School in Des Moines is one of four schools in King County to close due to probable swine flu infections.

No classes will be held, and all students are being told to stay home.

King County Public Health, working with both the Federal Way and Seattle School Districts decided Thursday that the best course of action is to close all schools where probable cases may have attended for at least seven days.

The schools, which are all scheduled to re-open May 8th, include:

Woodmont Elementary, located at 26454 16th Ave South in Des Moines will close starting Friday May 1st
Madrona K-8, which was closed today and will open again on March 7.
Seattle’s Aki Kurose Middle School
Stevens Elementary K-8 in Seattle

Here’s a letter that was published on the school’s website (PDF) from Superintendent Tom Murphy:

April 30, 2009

Dear Federal Way Public Schools Students, Families and Staff:

We have received notification from the King County Health Department that a student at Woodmont Elementary has a probable case of H1N1 Influenza (â€œswine fluâ€). At the end of school today, the building will be closed for seven days. Parents have been asked to keep their students home. The school will re-open on Monday, May 11.

Obviously, the H1N1 Flu situation continues to change quickly. Itâ€™s not unlikely that we will see more cases of H1N1 Flu and school closures in our district. Federal Way Public Schools staff members are working closely with the local, state, and national health agencies to investigate any illnesses and/or infections. While this is a time to prepare, itâ€™s not time to panic. In 2005, when â€œbird fluâ€ concerns emerged, the State Department of Health, OSPI, and other state and local agencies created a multi-step plan to deal with a possible pandemic. That plan is helping schools and government agencies decide a course of action as this flu outbreak runs its course.

Hereâ€™s what Federal Way Public Schools is doing. First, students or staff with a fever of 100 degrees or higher are asked to stay home. If these individuals are experiencing other symptoms â€“ primarily headaches, body aches and coughing â€“ they will be directed to go to a health care provider. The health care provider is responsible for determining if the individual may be infected with the H1N1 Flu. When H1N1 Flu is a possibility, a sample will be sent to the King County Health Department, who will run a test. If H1N1 Flu is confirmed, the district will be notified by the Health Department and will take the measures they direct us to.

In Washington, the local Health Department is in charge of determining if and when a school will be closed. King County Health has already determined that in the event of even a single H1N1 Flu case among staff or students, a school will be closed for a period of seven days. While the school is closed, the districtâ€™s maintenance staff will take measures to thoroughly disinfect the building.

Keep in mind that itâ€™s allergy season in Washington, meaning sniffles, sinus headaches and stuffy noses are common. In addition, the normal flu season is still winding down. Testing for the specific virus is the only way to know which flu these individuals have. Staff and parents will be notified of a case of H1N1 flu, but not if a child or staff member is sent home with another illness. H1N1 flu is much more severe than colds or allergy symptoms. Its symptoms are fever, sore throat, cough, body aches, headaches, chills, and fatigue. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you or your child is showing mild flu-like symptoms, telephone your physician if necessary or your schoolâ€™s nurse.

Hereâ€™s what you can do to prevent the spread of H1N1 Flu:

Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve. Throw the tissue in the trash after use.

Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread that way.

Children may bring hand sanitizer to school; classrooms are stocked with it as well. However, soap and water are still the best germ-killers!

Again – if you are sick, stay home.

If you have any questions feel free to call the Seattle King County Public Health Department at (206) 296-4949 or visit www.kingcounty.gov/health or visit the Centers for Disease Control website, www.cdc.gov.

You may also contact FWPS Health Services Coordinator Sue Overton at 253-945-4575.

Sincerely,
Tom Murphy, Superintendent

For more information, including updates on probable cases, please visit King County Public Health’s special swine flu website here.

View Larger MapM

Red Cross To Open Relief Supply Center In Burien Friday

Scott Schaefer — Thu, 30 Apr 2009 23:56:30 +0000

Friday (May 1st), at 11am, the American Red Cross will dedicate a new Disaster Relief Supply Center in Burien with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 510 SW 158th.

The event will include representatives of the Red Cross, Southwest Suburban Sewer District and the City of Burien, and the center will will store emergency supplies which will pre-positioned for use in future disasters and can be transported to emergency shelters. The cots, blankets, hygiene kits, etc., will provide short term emergency shelter for 750 people.

The Disaster Relief Supply Center will be located at 510 SW 158th Street (map below), and was created with a generous grant from The Tiffany Circle, a Red Cross Society of Women Leaders.

â€œThe Tiffany Circle members are particularly excited to see the completion of this Disaster Relief Supply Center in Burien,â€ stated Judy Holder, Tiffany Circle Chair for the American Red Cross Serving King & Kitsap Counties. â€œWe believe in the importance of community disaster preparedness, particularly in areas with vulnerable populations. We are proud to be providing this support.â€

â€œSouthwest Suburban Sewer District recognizes the importance of emergency preparedness as individuals and as regional partners. We are excited to provide our support in helping bring this asset to our community and the region,â€ said Ron Hall, General Manager for the Southwest Suburban Sewer District.

The American Red Cross is the countryâ€™s leading disaster relief organization, providing immediate emergency relief to those in need and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. All Red Cross disaster relief is free, funded through the generosity of the American people.

For more information about the Red Cross in King County, call (206) 323-2345 or visit www.seattleredcross.org.