DIRECTORS' CORNER

Fight Flu this Season

It’s officially flu season, and there have already been many cases of the flu in Colorado this year. Getting a flu vaccine every year is the best way to protect yourself and your family from flu and its potentially serious complications. That’s why Jefferson County Public Health (JCPH) urges everyone ages 6 months and older to get vaccinated against the flu, ideally before the end of October.

Wondering what is new this flu season?

Flu vaccines are updated annually to better match circulating flu viruses.
Any licensed, age-appropriate flu vaccines are recommended.
The nasal spray flu vaccine (LAIV) is a vaccine option again this year.

Fight flu this season by getting your flu vaccine and encouraging others to protect themselves and their loved ones by doing the same. Ask your health care provider about what vaccine is right for you and your family. Visit www.vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you, or call the JCPH Immunization Clinic at 303-239-7078.

Sincerely,
Dr. Margaret Huffman
Director of Community Health Services
Jefferson County Public Health

NEWS YOU CAN USE

New Campaign Helps Young Women Get the Facts about Sexual Health

Sex can get complicated, but taking care of your sexual health doesn’t have to be. JCPH recently launched a new campaign to help teens and young adults get the facts about birth control and sexually transmitted infections.

Learn more at www.sexfactsjeffco.org (in English) or www.infosexojeffco.org (in Spanish).

Online Record Access for Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

JCPH has a new application to allow online lookup of onsite wastewater treatment (septic) system records, including drawings of the system and septic tank locations. This allows the public immediate access to these important records and documents 24/7 without having to call or send an email. Get more information on this new service here.

Update on Vaping and Lung Illness

Colorado is one of multiple states that is continuing to investigate severe lung illness associated with vaping. As of October 2, 2019, there have been nine confirmed cases and seven hospitalizations due to severe lung illness associated with vaping in Colorado.

While this investigation is ongoing, and the definitive cause of reported illnesses remains uncertain, people should not use vaping products. Stay up-to-date on the latest information here.

DATA ROUNDUP: Flu Season

In 2018-2019, 3,825 Coloradans were hospitalized with the flu.

In the 2017-2019 flu season, 4,650 Coloradans were hospitalized with the flu - the most ever.

In the 2018-2019 flu season, there were 367 hospitalizations due to flu in Jefferson County

Cases of Influenza Have Already Begun in Colorado

Flu cases start to increase in October and typically peak in late December or early January before dropping off in the spring. Here’s what flu season has looked like in Colorado in past years. Learn more about the flu and get vaccinated.

GET INVOLVED

Shots for Tots & Teens: Get Low- or No-Cost Vaccinations for Your Family

JCPH is hosting two more Shots for Tots & Teens walk-in immunization clinics this year to make getting your child up-to-date on immunizations easy and affordable. The clinics are on November 2 and December 7, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Arvada Fire Station #2 (5250 Oak St., Arvada, CO 80002).

We are able to accept many insurances, including Medicaid and CHP+, and we also serve individuals who do not have insurance. Unfortunately, we are unable to see clients with Kaiser. Please note that a parent or legal guardian must be present, and you must bring your child’s immunization record. Call 303-239-7078 to ask about insurances or for any other questions.

Attend Tenants' Night, hosted by Denver Public Health

Do you live in multi-unit housing? Join Denver Public Health on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2019 at 5:30 p.m. for a Tenants' Night! This community event will focus on the rights and responsibilities of tenants and highlighting housing as a healthcare issue.

Topics will include:

Residential rental application and fees
Requesting repairs and Warranty of Habitability
Security deposits
Smoking and multi-unit housing and the dangers of secondhand smoke exposure
Housing discrimination and the Fair Housing Act

There will be food, kids activities, door prizes and plenty of free parking. Register at https://tenantsnight.eventbrite.com to reserve your spot!

Talk with Your Teen About Hopefulness and Coping

Using marijuana during adolescence can result in damage to a teen's rapidly developing brain, and the younger a person starts using a substance like marijuana, the more likely they are to use other harmful substances later in life. In Jefferson County, nearly one third of high school seniors report having used marijuana in the last 30 days.

Talk to your teen about marijuana. Ask them their perception of it, and have the hard conversations about addiction, coping and risk. The best way to show your teen you care? Be there. Have a talk with your teen. Learn more at www.twelvetalks.com.

PARTNER PROFILE

Colorado Children’s Immunization Coalition (CCIC)

CCIC is dedicated to keeping Colorado kids healthy by increasing childhood vaccination rates.

Through their Immunize for Good campaign, families can get reliable information about vaccines, find immunization schedules, hear from other parents and more.

Join the conversation! Follow Jefferson County Public Health on Facebook at @jeffcopublichealth and on Twitter and Instagram at @jeffcoph. Visit our website at www.jeffco.us/public-health.

October 2019 // Volume 1, Issue 10