DPH LAUNCHES FLU SEASON WITH LT. GOVERNOR'S FLU SHOT

Community Partners Recognized for Supporting Influenza Efforts Statewide

Community leadership and involvement are critical to making flu shots available across Delaware and in monitoring flu activity. Everyone should get a flu shot. Lt. Governor Matt Denn gets that point on Sept. 27 when he, Sec. Rita Landgraf of the Department of Health and Human Services and others receive their flu vaccinations from Dr. Karyl Rattay, DPH director, at the second annual kick-off of the flu season on Sept. 27 at 10 a.m. The event, which also recognizes 17 community partners, will be held at the Tatnall Building, Room 112, William Penn St., Dover.

The farmer's markets in New Castle and Newark will receive an award for their continued support of flu clinics by volunteering their premises as the location for these clinics. Fifteen health partners, members of the Influenza Sentinel Physicians Surveillance Network, voluntarily provide critical information on flu activity in the community. This valuable information helps DPH determine if vaccines administered will be effective in preventing the virus strains of the season.

"Building partnership is key to advancing DPH's population-based approach to health," said Dr. Karyl Rattay. "Such collaborative work not only connects us to vulnerable populations we need to reach, but creates an environment that promotes disease prevention."

The following community partners will be honored:

• Julia Pillsbury, M.D. Center for Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
• Hema Gouru, M.D. Westside Family Healthcare-Bear
• Patricia Munda, M.D. Westside Family Healthcare-Newark
• Kathy Cornelius, M.D. Westside Family Healthcare-Wilmington
• Adrian Wilson, M.D. Westside Family Healthcare-Wilmington
• Vincenzo Scotto Christiana Care Wellness Clinic
• Steve Grasson, assistant director for administration University of Delaware Student Health Services
• Lynn Marslett, R.N. Sussex Correctional
• Jessica Wilt, administrator Great New Beginnings / Middletown / Sleepy Hollow
• Kristin Scott, administrator Great New Beginnings / Bear / Songsmith
• Faith Schlosser, R.N./staff development Millcroft Nursing Home
• Angella Berry, nursing supervisor Governor Bacon Health Center
• Aubrey Rogers, compliance manager Exceptional Care for Children
• Donna Wanko, L.P.N. risk manager Regal Heights Healthcare & Rehabilitation Center
• Isha Smith, R.N. Delaware Hospital for the Chronically Ill
• Greg Beecher, manager New Castle Farmer's Market
• Steve Jang, manager Newark Farmer's Market

Statewide influenza vaccinations have been scheduled from Oct. 11 - Dec. 1.for Delawareans ages 9 and older without primary care providers, or whose insurance does not cover flu shots. Vaccine virus strains are identical to those from last flu season. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all persons aged 6 months and older receive the flu vaccine unless they have a contraindication. Vaccination as early as possible in the season is encouraged, however it is never too late to get a shot late in the season.

For more information or to determine where to get a flu shot please call 1-800-282-8672 or www.flu.delaware.gov

Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.