News

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

H1N1 influenza response

A message from the Santa Barbara County Health Department

The Santa Barbara County Public Health Department (PHD) extends it gratitude to Santa Barbara County schools for their collaboration on the pandemic H1N1 flu response. Dr. Peter Hasler, the interim health officer, said, “Children were the group hardest hit by this pandemic. The efforts we undertook at schools prevented and reduced suffering, sickness and death among our county’s children.” He continued, “Although H1N1 is not completely gone from the county and we still must remain vigilant, the PHD is lifting its recommendation that schools report high absentee rates…I believe we have been a part in a long term improvement in our prevention of contagious disease in schools with greater adoption of prevention measures and vaccination. We sense that families recognize the value of hand washing, covering a cough and immunization. The PHD hopes the schools will continue to promote self care,” he added.