Staff writer
Vaccines for H1N1 flu should be available in Marion County sometime mid-October, Health Department Administrator Diedre Serene told County Commission Monday.
She hopes to eventually have enough vaccines for everyone, but the first priority groups are:
- Pregnant women
- Caregivers of children younger than 6 months
- Health care and emergency medical services personnel
- People age 6 months through 24 years
- People age 25 through 64 who have medical conditions associated with a higher risk of flu complications
Until vaccines are available, people can take these steps to reduce their risk of contracting H1N1:
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Wash hands often
- Stay home when sick
- Keep hands away from mouth and nose
Seasonal flu vaccines begin today at the health department. They are available from 9 a.m. to noon and 1:30 to 7:30 p.m. Health officials recommend receiving a flu vaccine earlier this year. Seasonal flu vaccine is available as a shot or nasal mist, Serene said.
In other business:
- Serene met in closed session with commissioners for 10 minutes to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open session.
- The county will order hand sanitizer dispensers for the courthouse and health department.
- Commission met in closed session for 10 minutes to discuss personnel with Appraiser Cindy Magill. No action was taken on return to open session.
- Commission Chairman Dan Holub requested a 30-minute closed session to discuss personnel. No action was taken on return to open session.
- Harlie Brown Sr., Harlie Brown Jr., and Ken Augustine offered $35,000 for an asphalt distributor the county isn’t using. The county’s asking price is $50,000. Commissioner Randy Dallke asked to have it appraised before making a decision.
- Road and Bridge Department truck driver Thomas Masella received a raise from $1,904 to $2,004 per month for working for the county one year.
- Hett Carpentry of Marion won a bid to insulate the lake hall at Marion County Park and Lake. The company bid $14,720. Winter Construction of Marion bid $17,000.
- Commissioners approved a contract with Community Fisheries Assistance Program. The program pays the county $25,177 annually to allow anyone with a state fishing license to fish at Marion County Park and Lake without additional fees. The contract is for five years.
- A chili cook-off will be at the lake Oct. 3. Rules and registration information are available at the lake office.
- Joe Base of rural Goessel was reinstated to the neighborhood revitalization program and given a one-year extension to finish construction.
The next commission meeting will be Monday.