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Pandemic Flu

Pandemic influenza refers to a worldwide epidemic due to a new, dramatically different strain of influenza virus. A pandemic virus strain can spread rapidly from person to person and, in its most virulent strains, can cause high levels of disease and mortality around the world.

Over time all influenza Type A viruses experience slight changes (antigenic drift) in their genetic structure. This necessitates a change in annual vaccines to protect against seasonal influenza strains. Occasionally influenza viruses undergo a major change in genetic composition or mutation (called reassortment) through the combination of an avian and human virus.

A pandemic can occur when avian influenza viruses acquire the ability to infect and cause disease in humans, and then spread rapidly from person to person.

The creation of a novel virus means that the majority, if not all, people in the world will have never been exposed to the new strain and thus they have no immunity to the disease. It also means that a new vaccine specific to the pandemic virus must be developed and produced once we are in a pandemic

Please see resources provided by the CDC at the following link.

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/pandemic-resources/index.htm

 

Data & Resources

Community Health Improvement

The Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) is developed from the Community Health Needs Assessment. Priority objectives are developed to address determined priority areas of need. Collaborative work groups (1) evaluate data and trends to (2) develop goals and strategies to (3) implement interventions.

To view South Heartland District's CHIP progress, click here.

How Healthy Are We?

Local Health Data from the South Heartland District Health Department provides health information for residents of Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties. Three survey reports provide information on health behaviors, chronic health conditions, and the use of preventive services. Click here for more information

Vaccination Program

The Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program helps immunize children whose parents or guardians cannot afford it. This helps ensure that all children have a better chance of receiving recommended immunizations on time. Vaccines available through the VFC Program are those recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). These vaccines protect babies, young children, and teens from 16 diseases.