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Public Health District urges flu shots, reports rise in hand-foot-and-mouth cases and offers equipment loans
Summary
Delaware Public Health District briefed council on seasonal flu clinics, availability of COVID shots by shared clinical decision, an uptick in hand-foot-and-mouth disease among children, loanable hand-hygiene equipment and an October tire drive.
Jeff Gibbs of the Delaware Public Health District updated council and the public on Sept. 22 about seasonal and ongoing public-health services in the city and county.
Gibbs said the district began flu vaccinations at the county fair (Sept. 14–17) and is offering clinic-based and neighborhood flu clinics through Nov. 10; he highlighted a drive-through clinic on Monday, Oct. 6 from 4–7 p.m. at the public-health office on South Sandusky Street. "September, October are the best times to receive your flu vaccination," Gibbs told council.
Gibbs said the district continues to offer COVID-19 shots for people 65 and older and for those for whom a shared clinical decision has been made between a patient (or guardian) and their health-care provider. He said the district will confirm whether a written note from a health-care provider is required for those seeking a COVID shot at the health department.
Gibbs reported an uptick in hand-foot-and-mouth disease, a common viral illness among infants and children that spreads via respiratory droplets and fecal-oral contact; he advised schools and daycares to enforce hand-washing and hygiene. "Most cases are mild and recover within 7 to 10 days," Gibbs said, adding that symptomatic patients who cannot stay hydrated should contact their health-care provider.
The district also maintains a loan program offering hand-washing and sanitizing stations, recycling receptacles, litter grabbers and "glo germ" hygiene training kits to county residents. For environmental health, the district is hosting a passenger-tire-only tire drive on Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Delaware County Fairgrounds; vehicles are limited to ten passenger tires per state transport law.
Council members asked procedural questions about access to COVID shots under a shared clinical-decision framework; Gibbs said the district would confirm whether a written note is required and follow up with the council. The district did not provide dollar amounts for programs during the briefing.
