Rock Island County Health Department

Rock Island County Health Department will be closed on Thursday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. We will return on Friday, July 5th for normal business hours. Please stay safe, and hydrated as you celebrate with family and friends.

Now is the perfect time to get your child up-to-date on their vaccinations before school begins.
RICHD has the vaccines that are required for going back to school and is a VFC program provider.
Call us today to schedule your appointment 309-794-7080.

Should I get a COVID booster now or wait until fall?

“I'm over 65 but otherwise healthy. When I went for my annual check up my doctor said that while a summer booster was being recommended, she thought waiting until fall was fine. So I'm confused about whether or not to get a summer dose.” -Kit from Columbus, OH

For those over age 65, a “summer booster” could make sense, especially if you have upcoming travel or events. You can still get the updated version later in the fall to maximize holiday protection. But waiting is also a reasonable choice.

**NOTE: This post is copied from our Substack newsletter-- click here for better viewing with links and images: https://tinyurl.com/bdzhkc4v

As summer progresses, we are getting lots of versions of Kit’s question, especially with signs that COVID-19 activity is on the rise. The U.S. CDC recently recommended that everyone ages 6 months and older receive an updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine to protect against the potentially serious outcomes of COVID-19 this fall and winter. The updated vaccines will target the KP.2 variant (where possible), which is currently among the most commonly circulating variants nicknamed “FLiRT” after the technical names for their mutations. The updated shots are expected to be available by late August or early September.

With the updated vaccines still a couple months away, is a “summer booster” worth it? Like most things COVID these days, the choices are not clear cut. Since COVID-19 has not fallen neatly into a seasonal pattern (except for ALL SEASONS), optimizing the timing of protection is harder than a more predictable seasonal virus like the flu.

In the US, you are currently eligible for a dose of COVID-19 vaccine if:
1) You never received the most recent (fall 2023) COVID vaccine OR
2) You are over age 65 or immunocompromised and received your last COVID shot more than four months ago.

The value of a “summer booster” depends on your overall COVID risk and what you have coming up over the next few months. Increasing age (especially >65 years) is still the strongest risk factor for severe COVID-19, regardless of underlying conditions. The updated vaccines reduce the risk of COVID hospitalization and death, but protection is highest in the first few months, so staying up-to-date is most critical for this age group. If you are 65 or over (or immunocompromised), one option is to get a dose now and then get the updated vaccine in 3-4 months, before the usual uptick around the holidays.

This strategy could also make sense if you have upcoming travel or special events like weddings where your risk of exposure is higher than normal. The current XBB-targeted vaccine will still give a sizable boost in immunity to the new variants, especially in the near term. This Nerdy Girl got a dose in early May prior to lots of travel (including a Taylor Swift concert 🤩) and plans to get the updated version a couple weeks before Thanksgiving to have peak protection during the holidays.

It’s also reasonable to wait for the updated shot if you’ve already had one dose in the last year and don’t anticipate higher than expected exposures. If you also had a COVID infection in the past year, your protection may stretch out a bit longer. Besides vaccines, don’t forget our other trusty tools to minimize risk of infections before special events (and in general) such as strategic masking and minding ventilation.

As we get further into this “limbo” phase approaching the updated vaccines, there is no strictly right or wrong answer. The most important thing will be to get an updated COVID vaccine this fall, whether that is early or late in the season!

Love,
Those Nerdy Girls

If you work with dairy cows or other animals that could be infected with H5N1 bird flu, find out how to reduce your risk of infection. CDC has information for farm workers exposed to H5N1 bird flu in dairy cows or other animals. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/avianflu/h5/farm-workers.html

Today is Family Health and Fitness Day! 🏃‍♀️🏋️‍♀️ Whether you’re cooking a nutritious meal or doing a fun physical activity together, wellness and staying active can be a family endeavor. ✨
Learn how WIC can support you and your family: www.signupwic.com

Reminder: Our 2nd annual resource fair will be August 17th from 1pm-5pm! Visit us at the Waterfront Convention Center in Bettendorf, IA!

SAVE A LIFE

Rock Island County Health Department is now a Drug Overdose Prevention Program participant.
This means that we are able to freely distribute Narcan to residents of Rock Island County.

What is NARCAN?
NARCAN® (naloxone HCl) Nasal Spray is an opioid antagonist indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid overdose, as manifested by respiratory and/or central nervous system depression. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is intended for immediate administration as emergency therapy in settings where opioids may be present. NARCAN® Nasal Spray is not a substitute for emergency medical care.

This is a free and confidential service.
We will not ask for any personal information as providing this lifesaving treatment at no cost is to ensure lifesaving treatment is available for anyone that may need it.

Narcan kits (2 doses in each kit) is available for pick up Monday through Friday from 8-430 PM at the Rock Island County Health Department. We will also provide you the information on how to administer the Narcan along with handouts to keep on hand for how to administer as well.

Did you know that Vitamin D is essential for a healthy pregnancy? 🤰☀️ It supports your baby’s development and your own health. You can get vitamin D through sunlight, foods like fatty fish and eggs, or supplements! Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure you get the right amount.

📍Learn how WIC can support your pregnancy at www.signupwic.com

SAVE the DATE!
Walk for Zero Su***de.

RICHD offers all required and recommended vaccines for back to school call 309-794-7080 to schedule you appointment today!

The Private Well Class is a collaboration between the Rural Community Assistance Partnership and the University of Illinois, through the Illinois State Water Survey and the Illinois Water Resources Center, and funded by the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Their free webinar, Is My Water Safe to Drink? - Common Questions about Private Wells, is scheduled for June 27th, 2024 from 1-3pm Central Time. There's still time to get registered and submit your questions.

Your drinking water well doesn't have to be a mystery. In this free 90-minute webinar training hosted by The Private Well Class you'll learn the answers to common questions, such as:

• How do I get my well water tested?
• What do I need to do to take care of my well?
• Is my well susceptible to contamination?

As always, we'll begin with a short presentation covering the most common questions, followed by plenty of time for additional Q&A. Here are the details:

Is My Water Safe to Drink?-Common Questions about Private Wells

• Register for the webinar here: https://privatewellclass.org/safe

This webinar has been preapproved through NEHA and IL LEHP for up to 2.0 continuing education contact hours.

-The Private Well Class Team

Please feel free to forward this message to anyone who might be interested!

PrivateWellClass.org is a free, grant-funded service to support private well owners and the professionals that work with these wells. The program seeks to raise awareness of private well issues and help well owners understand their responsibilities to be a good steward of their well and water source. The Private Well Class, developed at the Illinois State Water Survey at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, is a collaboration with the Rural Community Assistance Partnership with funding from the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency. Call us at 1-866-945-0699 for assistance.

Rock Island County Health Department will continue to offer Jynneos vaccine for protection against Mpox through June at no cost.
We are open Monday Through Friday 830AM-4PM for vaccine appointments.
Call 309-794-7080 to schedule your appointment today.
Need more information about Mpox vaccine?
See CDC link below;

https://www.cdc.gov/poxvirus/mpox/vaccines/index.html

Whole-grain bread is the WIC-approved food of the month, a delicious choice for a healthier, more balanced diet! 🌾 Whole-grain bread is packed with fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and has various health benefits like helping with digestion and controlling blood sugar levels. 🍞

📍Visit www.signupwic.com to find a WIC agency near you.

Stay safe from ticks this and all summer long with these top tips!

Can you collect them all?

Now is the perfect time to get your child up-to-date on their vaccinations before school begins.
RICHD has the vaccines that are required for going back to school.
Call us today to schedule your appointment 309-794-7080.

Happy First Day of Summer ☀️ Here’s to joyful adventures in the sun and lasting memories with family and friends this season!

Take advantage of summer fruits and vegetables with WIC! Learn more at www.signupwic.com

Additional Cooling Centers in the Quad Cities

Bettendorf Public Library 2950 Learning Campus Drive Bettendorf 563-344-4175 Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri & Sat 9am-5:30pm, closed Sunday

Vera French Carol Center 808 N Harrison Street Davenport 563-322-5276 Mon-Fri 7am-4pm, closed weekends

The Center 1411 Brady Street Davenport 563-323-5295 Mon-Fri 8am-2pm, closed weekends

Davenport Public Library - Main 321 Main Street Davenport 563-326-7832 Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5:30pm, closed Sunday

Davenport Public Library - Fairmount 3000 N Fairmount Street Davenport 563-326-7832 Mon 9am-8pm, Tues 12pm-8pm, Wed 9am-8pm, Thurs 12pm-8pm, Fri & Sat 9am-5:30pm, closed Sunday

Davenport Public Library - Eastern 6000 Eastern Avenue Davenport 563-326-7832 Mon 12pm-8pm, Tues 9am-8pm, Wed 12pm-8pm, Thurs 9am-8pm, Fri & Sat 9am-5:30pm, closed Sunday

Northpark Mall 320 Kimberly Road Davenport 563-391-4500 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12-6pm

East Moline Public Library 745 16th Avenue East Moline 309-755-9614 Tues 9am-5pm, closed Wed, Thurs & Fri 9am-5pm, Sat 10am-3pm

Moline Public Library 3210 41st Street Moline 309-524-2440 Mon-Thurs 9am-8pm, Friday and Saturday 9am-5pm, Sunday 1pm-4pm

Moline Township Activity Center 620 18th Street Moline 309-797-0789 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, closed weekends

Southpark Mall 4500 16th Street Moline 309-797-6142 Mon-Sat 10am-8pm, Sun 12-6pm

Christian Care 2209 3rd Avenue Rock Island 309-786-5734 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm

Rock Island Township 2827 7th Avenue Rock Island 309-788-3417 Mon-Fri 8am-4pm, closed weekends

Rock Island County Senior Center 2221 11th Street Rock Island 309-788-6334 Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, closed weekends

South Rock Island Township 4330 11th Street Rock Island 309-788-0496 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, closed weekends

Rock Island Public Library 401 19th Street Rock Island 309-732-7323 Mon & Tues 10am-6pm, closed Wed, Sat 10am-2pm, closed Sunday

Silvis Public Library 806 1st Avenue Silvis 309-755-3393 Mon & Tues 9am-8pm, closed Wed, Thurs 9am-8pm, Sat 9am-5pm, closed Sunday

Visit a cooling Center

Need to get out of the heat? Spend some time in air-conditioned public places like a shopping mall or a local library for a few hours.

There are also a few designated cooling centers in the Quad Cities area, including:

Christian Care, 2209 3rd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201.

Salvation Army of Burlington & Des Moines County, 216 Columbus Drive, Burlington, IA 52601.

South Rock Island Township, 4330 11th St., Rock Island, IL 61201.

Galesburg Public Safety Building, 150 South Broad St., Galesburg, IL 61401 (Temporary).

Galesburg YMCA, 1324 Carl Sandburg Dr., Galesburg, IL 61401 (Temporary).

Oneida Fire Station, 210 Sage St., Oneida, IL 61467 (Temporary).

Wataga Fire Station, 310 Willard St., Wataga, IL 61488 (Temporary).

Riverdale City Hall, 110 Manor Dr., Riverdale, IA 52722 (Available Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Bettendorf's Community Center, 2204 Grant Street, Bettendorf, IA (Available Wednesday from 12-5 p.m.).

Bettendorf Public Library, 2950 Learning Campus Drive, Bettendorf, IA. (Available Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).

https://www.weather.gov/safety/heat

Rock Island County Health Department will be closed on Wednesday, June 19th, in observance of Juneteenth. We will resume regular business hours on Thursday, June 20th. Stay safe in the heat! Drink lots of water, and stay cool.

At WIC, we are committed to our promise. That’s why WIC offers different food packages specifically tailored to suit your family's needs and help them thrive. We offer food packages for:
● Children 1 through 5 years old
● Pregnant and partially (mostly) breastfeeding (up to 1 year postpartum)
● Postpartum (up to 6 months postpartum)
● Fully Breastfeeding (up to 1 year postpartum)

📍Visit www.signupwic.com to find a WIC agency near you and learn more.

Happy Father’s Day! Today, we celebrate the father figures who play an important role in their family’s lives. Wishing you a day filled with love, joy, and appreciation. 🌟

📍Learn how WIC can support dads at www.signupwic.com

Before you travel, take steps to prepare so you can stay safe and healthy during your trip.
Check out CDC's Travelers Health site.
Vaccine requirements for your destination are accessible here, along routine vaccination information to make sure you are up to date, in addition to precautions that may be needed for travel.

https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/