Public Health Notices

 

Protecting Youth Mental Health

Youth mental health challenges are reaching epidemic proportions. Read the new advisory report by the US Surgeon General  

 

On Monday, 12.06.21, Governor Hochul announced a $539 million fund to assist homeowners who are at risk of default, foreclosure or displacement as result of a financial hardship caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.  

 

Applications will open on January 3, 2022 but individuals can sign up now on the website to be notified of the application being made available.

 

Here is the website for the New York State Homeowner Assistance Fund: https://www.nyhomeownerfund.org/

 

 

What You Need to Know About the Omicron Variant - (from the CDC posted on 12.06.21)

 

Many of you have been calling and emailing inquiring about the latest updates regarding the COVID-19 booster shot. We are now reaching out to update you as we have finally received clear guidance from the Federal and State government. 

New Yorkers who are 18 and older and received their Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna initial vaccine series at least six months ago or the Janssen/Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine at least two months ago are eligible for their booster dose.

CDC and NYSDOH encourage all eligible New Yorkers to get their booster dose, especially those over the age of 50 and others with underlying conditions.

Eligible New Yorkers can receive any of the FDA-approved or authorized COVID-19 vaccines for their booster dose, including Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or Janssen/Johnson & Johnson. If you have questions, talk to your health care provider or vaccine administrator. 

 

Scheduling

How to Schedule Your Booster Dose: 

 

Free booster doses are widely available at pharmacies, local health departments, clinics, Federally Qualified Health Centers and other locations across New York State.

All of New York State’s mass vaccination sites are currently offering the COVID-19 booster dose to eligible New Yorkers. Visit Am I ELIGIBLE tool to schedule an appointment at a State-operated vaccination site. Walk-in appointments for booster doses are accepted at New York State sites for all eligible individuals.

To find a nearby provider, search vaccines.gov, text your ZIP code to 438829, or call 1-800-232-0233 to find locations near you.

You can also contact your local pharmacy or provider to see if they are administering booster doses.

In order to prove eligibility, eligible New Yorkers are required to provide written self-attestation confirming eligibility, which providers must collect.

 

For additional information and to stay up to date visit vaccinateulster.com

 

The CDC issued a Health Advisory on 7/6/2021 about a common lead test kit used by pediatricians and hospitals.  They are recommending that any child tested with this kit be retested.  The advisory can be found here:

 

https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2021/han00445.asp

 

Also, the FDA has a list of the affected lot numbers here:

 

https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/medical-device-recalls/magellan-diagnostics-recalls-leadcare-ii-leadcare-plus-and-leadcare-ultra-blood-lead-tests-due-risk

 

 

Ulster County COVID-19 Vaccination Resource Center

 

 

Ulster County COVID-19 Hotline: 845-443-8888

 

 

NYS has set up a COVID Mental Health Hotline, staffed by over 6,000 MH professionals, that people can access to get online or by phone therapy to cope with the stress, anxiety, isolation, etc.  1-844-863-9314

 

NYS Department of Health COVID Information Line: 888-364-3065

  

Frequent Handwashing, especially before eating, is one of the best ways to protect yourself from viruses and other communicable diseases. Here's how to do it right:

 

  

 

 

 

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE UPDATED (10.04.19) NYSDOH CHILD IMMUNIZATION  REQUIREMENTS, FACT SHEET

 

New NYSDOH Regulations on the Sale of Flavored Vaping Products (posted 09.20.19)

 

IMPORTANT EMERGENCY INFORMATION REGARDING THE USE OF VAPING PRODUCTS

Anyone using vape products and experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath, cough, chest pain, fever, nausea or vomiting should contact their health care provider immediately.  Health care providers should report possible cases to their local poison control center (1-800-222-1222). If individuals are concerned with their vaping device or products and want more information, they can call the NYSDOH's Vaping Hotline at 1-888-364-3046. The New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) has received numerous reports from New York State physicians of severe pulmonary (lung-related) illness among patients ranging from 15 to 46 years of age who were using at least one cannabis-containing vape product prior to becoming ill.  Stay informed  https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/tobacco_control/campaign/e-cigarettes/   

 

Measles spreads easily and can be dangerous to anyone who is not vaccinated. If you have questions about measles or the measles vaccine, call the New York State Measles Hotline at 888-364-4837

 

Evaluating Reliable Vaccine Resources

 

You can't trust everything you read, and it's important to apply that rule of thumb whenever you hear or read about immunizations or vaccine safety.

The explosion of social media enables people to find out what strangers, celebrities and lay people have to say, and it's sometimes hard to distinguish fact from opinion. For information about how to evaluate resources visit: Evaluating Reliable Vaccine Resources.

 

What is measles?

 

Measles is a serious respiratory disease that causes a rash and fever. It is very contagious. You can catch it just by being in a room where someone with measles coughed or sneezed.

 

What are the symptoms?

 

Symptoms usually appear 7-14 days after exposure but can take as long as 21 days. The first symptoms are usually:

  • High fever
  • Cough
  • Runny nose
  • Red watery eyes
  • Rash
  • Small red spots, some of which are slightly raised.
  • Spots and bumps in tight clusters give the skin a splotchy red appearance.
  • Usually appears 2 to 4 days after the fever begins and lasts 5 to 6 days.
  • Begins at the hairline, moves to the face and neck, down the body and then to the arms and legs.

 

What are the complications of measles?

 

A small number of people who get measles will need to be hospitalized and could die. Many people with measles have complications such as diarrhea, ear infections or pneumonia. They can also get a brain infection that can lead to permanent brain damage. Measles during pregnancy increases the risk of early labor, miscarriage and low birth weight infants. Measles can be more severe in people with weak immune systems.

 

How long is a person with measles contagious?

 

A person with measles can pass it to others from 4 days before a rash appears through the 4th day after the rash appears.

 

Is there a treatment for measles?

 

There is no treatment but acetaminophen and ibuprofen may be taken to reduce a fever. People with measles also need bed rest and fluids. They also may need treatment for complications such as diarrhea, an ear infection or pneumonia.

 

If my child or another family member has been exposed to measles, what should I do?

 

Immediately call your local health department, doctor or clinic for advice. Never been vaccinated? Get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine within 3 days of being exposed. This may prevent you from getting measles. Some people may need an immune globulin shot -- antibodies to the measles virus. It should be given within 6 days of being exposed. This may prevent or lessen the severity of measles.

 

What is the best way to prevent measles?

 

Getting the measles vaccine is the best way to prevent measles.

 

  • You are considered immune to measles if you have written proof of 2 valid doses of MMR vaccine, or other live, measles-containing vaccine.
  • You are also considered immune to measles if you have a written lab report of immunity, or you were born before 1957.
  • Anyone who lacks proof of measles immunity, as defined above, should receive at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Two doses of MMR vaccine are recommended for some groups of adults. This includes health care personnel, college students, and international travelers. The doses should be given at least 28 days apart.

 

We recommend that all children get the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Vaccine.

 

  • Children should get their first MMR shot at 12 through 15 months old (as soon as possible within this time period). The second dose may be given as soon as one month after the first dose. But it is usually given between 4 and 6 years of age.
  • An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-11 months of age who will be traveling internationally. These children will still need the 2 routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age to ensure protection. They will receive a total of 3 MMR vaccines.

 

What are the MMR vaccine requirements for school attendance?

 

  • For pre-kindergarten including daycare, Head Start or nursery school: one dose of MMR vaccine
  • Kindergarten to grade 12: two doses of MMR vaccine
  • College: two doses of MMR vaccine

 

What should I do if I'm not sure I was vaccinated against measles?

 

Check with your health care provider. If you were born before 1957 it's likely that you have been exposed to the virus and are immune. Ask your doctor if you've been properly vaccinated.

 

What should I or my family members do to prevent measles if we are traveling out of the country?

 

Measles is still common in many other countries. Make sure that you and your children are fully vaccinated before traveling out of the U.S.

  • Children, adults, and adolescents should have two doses of MMR vaccine, at least 28 days apart.
  • An early dose of MMR vaccine is recommended for children 6-12 months of age who will be traveling internationally. This dose does not count as part of the routine doses given at 12-15 months and 4-6 years of age. These children will need a total of 3 MMR vaccinations.

 

Additional Information

 

  NYSDOH MEASLES  ADVISORIES AND SUMMER CAMP NOTICES (as of 04.23.19)

  

 

 

 Preparing for a Storm

HUrricane supplies 
 
 
 
 
Stay safe during a hurricane

hurricane evacuation

During a hurricane, whether you evacuate or stay home, there are important steps to take to stay safe.
Click the links below on how to stay safe during a hurricane.
 


We’ve all heard the news reports about ZIKA virus, so let’s review the facts and the steps that you can take to help prevent it:

 

Fact 1: the ZIKA virus is transmitted by a species of mosquito that bites during the day and breeds in containers of standing water near where people live.  

Fact 2: SO FAR, none of the affected or suspected mosquito species have been detected in Ulster County.

Fact 3:  you can take common-sense steps to reduce the chances of mosquitos breeding, and biting, near your home by keeping your gutters clean and eliminating sources of standing water such as old tires, barrels, cans and other items and areas where small pools of water gather. Also, keep your screens in good repair - and use insect repellant as directed. 

Fact 4: if you or your partner have traveled to an area where ZIKA is known to be present and you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant, speak to your health care provider about getting tested.

 

For details, visit/call:

Centers for Disease Control  -  CDC ZIKA site

New York State Department of Health -  NYSDOH ZIKA site

or call the NYS ZIKA Information Line at 1-888-364-4723 (you can also obtain free and non-toxic (to humans, pets and wildlife) tablets that kill mosquito larvae by calling this #)

 

Great Video on How to Keep Your Home and Yard Mosquito Free - Courtesy of University of California

 

 

 

EXPERIENCING A MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGE OR CRISIS? HELP IS ONLY A PHONE CALL AWAY - ULSTER COUNTY MOBILE MENTAL HEALTH  

Mobile Mental Health is operated by ACCESS: Supports for Living. Call 1-844-277-4820.  Connect with a trained counselor when stress, depression or other mental health issues create a personal crisis. Help is only a phone call away. Your call with a trained counselor will be kept confidential.  This service is available to all Ulster County residents at NO CHARGE.