The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce available Meningitis B vaccine shots at their First Choice Healthcare Clinics while supplies last.
The Meningitis B – MenB vaccine helps protect against a specific type of bacterial meningitis. It’s recommended for adolescents and young adults, especially those at increased risk and may be considered for others based on shared decision-making between patient and doctor. The vaccine is not part of the routine childhood vaccination schedule in many regions, but it is available and can be given to those who want it. The Meningitis B vaccine is a 2-Dose series.
What is Meningitis B? Meningitis B is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that can cause inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord -meningitis and blood poisoning – septicemia or sepsis. Therefore, Meningitis B is a potentially deadly disease that progresses quickly and can lead to death.
Meningitis B is more common on college campuses, so it’s crucial for college students to be aware of the vaccine and discuss it with their healthcare provider, especially if they haven’t already received it. Therefore, for adolescents and young adults, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – CDC recommends a shared clinical decision-making process to determine if MenB vaccination is appropriate for individuals aged 16 through 23, with the preferred age being 16-18. Other individuals at increased risk include those with certain medical conditions like a non-functional spleen, sickle cell anemia, or complement deficiencies.
Meningitis B vaccination is available by appointment or on a “Walk-In” basis at their Kewanee Clinic, 110 N. Burr Blvd. 309-852-5272; and by “Appointment Only” at their Colona Clinic, 103 1st St. 309-792-4011 and Toulon Clinic, 120 E. Court St. 309-852-3115. First Choice has all immunizations as private pay vaccines and accepts most insurances. Please call for eligibility, costs, and for vaccine availability.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon have Fluoride Teeth Varnishing appointments that are now available to local children.
Healthy gums and teeth are important to your child’s overall health. Once your child has a tooth, your provider may recommend that your child receive fluoride varnish treatments to help prevent tooth decay.
Fluoride varnish is a dental treatment that can help prevent tooth decay, slow it down, or stop it from getting worse. Fluoride varnish is made with fluoride, a mineral that can strengthen tooth enamel.
Their First Choice Healthcare staff are trained to apply fluoride varnish because many young children do not see or have access to a dentist until they are older.
Though fluoride varnishing is available to everyone, they encourage children 3-6 years to take advantage of this great service that helps prevent tooth decay.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics are offering fluoride varnishing appointments at their locations in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd. 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St. 309-792-4011; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St. 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind residents they offer monthly CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification Classes.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why it is important to encourage people to take a CPR Certification Class. As the American Heart Association says, “Learn to save a life, learn CPR. The life you save could be that of a loved one.”
CPR training will teach participants to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children, and adults. Instruction will also be given on how to recognize emergencies and actions to take, and understanding the role of AEDs – Automated External Defibrillators in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.
CPR Classes are held the fourth Tuesday monthly. The class will be held at the Health Department offices, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, IL. The classes will run from 4 to 6 pm. The cost of the Class is $45. Payment and registration is due prior to the class date. These rates are per participant.
There is a set participant “minimum” and “maximum” for classes; so, anyone interested should contact the Department at 309-852-0197 Extension 231.
The Henry County Health Department reminds area residents of their expansive reproductive health and family planning clinic services.
Through the family planning clinic program, the health department and their First Choice Healthcare hope to give women the information and means they need to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Clinics are held at the health department’s 3 First Choice Healthcare clinic locations: Route 78 South, Kewanee 309-852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona 309-792-4011; and 120 E. Court St., Toulon 309- 852-3115. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts Medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client’s income, had been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers pregnancy testing.
For more information visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
