Get Your Children Vaccinated Before the First Day of School
With the first day of school just weeks away, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) is reminding parents to get their children vaccinated now. Last year DSHS implemented new vaccination requirements for five vaccines for students in kindergarten and seventh grade. The new requirements are being phased in over several years. For the 2010-2011 school year, the requirements also will apply to first- and eighth-graders who did not receive the required vaccines in kindergarten or seventh grade. School children will need to be vaccinated before the first day of school. If a student is not vaccinated entry into school may be delayed by school administration. The Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department, located at 301 E. 12th, will hold two extra immunization clinics this month to make it easier for parents to get their children in before school starts. We have immunization clinic every Wednesday from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. and on the second Wednesday of each month until 6 p.m.; this month we have added a clinic from 8:30-11:30 a.m. and 1-4:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 20 and Monday, Aug. 23. The cost is $6. per child. Medicaid and CHIPS are accepted.
If you have any questions regarding your child’s immunizations or these clinics you can call us at 235-5463.
Prevent mosquitoes from breeding
The Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department warns local residents that they might be raising mosquitoes on their properties. Health officials say mosquitoes need water to develop and water standing only a few days can produce an enormous crop of mosquitoes. They recommend residents to check their properties for any container that might hold water. Old tires, tin cans, buckets, drums should be drained or discarded. Wading pools should be emptied often, and stored indoors when not in use. Leaky pipes and outside faucets should be repaired and water in birdbaths as well as pet-watering bowls should be changed twice weekly. For more information contact the Health Department at 235-5463.
Family Planning Services
Family Planning services are available through several funding sources. Services include pap smears, breast exams, pregnancy testing, methods of birth control, and screening and testing for sexual transmitted diseases. For an appointment call 235-2869.
Water Bacteriological Testing to determine suitability for drinking
A sterile container can be obtained from the Health Department, along with a lab form. Fee is $15.00 for each sample and sample must be brought in to the Health Department within 30 hours after water is collected. The Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department Water Laboratory receives samples Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. -noon and 1- 3:30 p.m. Samples require 24 hours incubation and results are reported the following day and mailed to client. Information is sent with any positive results, explaining how to disinfect the well.
Collection Procedure: Disconnect any hoses, filters or other devices from faucet. Let water flow for 3 minutes, to clear the line. Then sterilize the faucet with a lighter, torch etc. Reduce the flow to slow and collect water into the sterile container. Be sure not to touch the inside of the bottle or lid. Fill the container to the 100ml line and secure the lid tightly and transport to the Health Department, 301 E. 12th, Sweetwater Texas.
The Sweetwater-Nolan County Health Department does not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability or age.
