&ull; Are both the H1N1 and the Seasonal Vaccine available at the Health Department?

At this time, the H1N1 and Seasonal Vaccine are not yet available.

&ull; When will vaccination clinics be scheduled? Clinics will be scheduled when vaccine is available.

&ull; What kind of insurance can be used? The health department will accept Medicare, Medicaid, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.

&ull; What is the charge for the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine? The seasonal flu vaccine and administrative cost is $30. At this time there is no plan to charge for the H1N1 vaccine when received at the Health Department.

&ull; How will we know when the clinics are scheduled? The local media will be notified when clinics are scheduled. You may also check our website for information: www.rpmhd.org.

Flu prevention focus: Cough etiquette

The droplets created when a person coughs or sneezes can spread the flu. Being considerate of others at home and in public can help to prevent the spread of the flu virus. One of the easiest ways to be considerate is to cover the cough or sneeze you may have.

Cough and sneeze tips

&ull; When available, use a tissue to cover you mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Discard the used&bsp; in the appropriate waste receptacle.

&ull; If you don&39;t have a tissue, or can&39;t get to one quick enough, don&39;t use your hands to&bsp; cover your mouth, cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow.

&ull; Clean your hands after coughing or sneezing. Wash them with running water and soap for at least 20 seconds or use a alcohol based hand cleaner (60 percent concentration).

&ull; Change your soiled clothing as soon as you can.

Please call your local health department office with any questions or for information. For more information, and guidance for specific groups, please visit the following websites: www.cdc.gov/H1N1, www.flu.nc.gov, www.rpmhd.org/h1n1.htm, www.flu.gov

Local contacts:

Phillip Melton, Interim Health Director, 828-287-6054

Helen White, District Clinical Supervisor, 828-287-6044

Kevin Rogers, Preparedness Coordinator, 828-925-0571

RPM Epidemiology Preparedness Infection Control Safety Team, e-mail: rpmepi@rpmhd.org.