Children’s Health Services
How Do We Monitor Vaccines for Safety?
All vaccines approved in the United States are continually monitored for side effects and adverse events reported after vaccination. Although several agencies are involved in this effort, the primary system for receiving and reviewing vaccine reports is the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS).
Announcing COVID-19 Vaccination Clinics for Children and Teens
Currently, the circulating variants of the Covid-19 virus are relatively mild and typically result in symptoms similar to a prolonged summer cold. However, like all viruses, Covid-19 affects all people differently. The Covid-19 virus can make those who are immune-compromised, including the elderly and some children, very ill for prolonged periods. Reducing the risk of infection is most important for these individuals because they are also at greater risk for lingering or long-term health problems.
Schedule Back-to-School Immunizations Today
If your children return to school in August, you don’t want to wait until the last minute to ensure they are ready. You may want to start thinking about their clothes, school supplies, and whatever else they need to begin their school year. The Moultrie County Health Department encourages you also to think ahead and schedule appointments for their vaccinations as you plan for your child’s return to school. If you wait until mid-August, your child may be delayed in getting the vaccines required to start school.
Back-to-School Immunization Clinic
2022 Back-to-school immunization clinic schedule
Staying Safe in Sunny Weather
Many of us look forward to bright and sunny weather because of the numerous recreational activities we enjoy. Regardless of the season, too much exposure to the sun can prove hazardous to your health. This sun damage is caused by invisible ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Hearing Loss: Protect Yourself and Your Family this Summer
Loud noise can damage sensitive parts of the ear, causing ringing or buzzing in the ear, increased sensitivity to sound, and hearing loss. Repeated exposure to loud noise over time can result in hearing problems, even after the exposure has stopped.
Heat-Related Deaths are Preventable
Beat the heat this summer!
June is National Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Month
We may not want to admit it, but too many of us choose foods that are not in the best interest of our health. Grocery stores keep plenty of processed foods on their shelves because people buy them.
The Infant Formula Shortage: Information and Resources
As the infant formula shortage continues in the US, many families are struggling to access the products they rely on to feed their babies. The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) wants our local families and residents to be aware of available resources.
Illinois Public Health Officials Warn about Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Jif Peanut Butter
Warning issued: The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) warns that some jars of Jif brand peanut butter may be contaminated with a strain of Salmonella that is making people sick.
Vector-borne Diseases in Central Illinois
Some vector-borne diseases will produce few noticeable symptoms in an infected person, and the illness may go undetected. However, the same diseases can also cause significant discomfort and illness, Including life-long disabilities or even death. The following is basic information on West Nile virus and Lyme disease, both of which are carried by vectors common in Central Illinois.
Summer Food Safety: Facts and Best Practices
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six Americans (48 million people) become sick from food poisoning each year. These incidents send 128,000 Americans to the hospital, and an estimated 3,000 die annually from foodborne illnesses. Food safety is especially important as we approach Memorial Day weekend. This weekend traditionally marks the beginning of summer activities, many of which will involve preparing and serving food for family and friends.
Health Alert: Human Vector-Borne Diseases
West Nile virus (WNV), Lyme disease, and Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF), are the most commonly reported human vector-borne diseases (VBDs) in Illinois. As summer approaches and more people are inclined to engage in outdoor activities, tick and mosquito vectors are also becoming more active, increasing the risk of disease transmission to humans.
Herd Immunity and Vaccinations
Herd immunity occurs when a significant portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease, limiting disease spread. When there are limits on the spread of the disease, even those not already immune have a reduced risk of exposure. Reducing the risk of disease spread is especially critical in protecting individuals who can’t be vaccinated. These would include newborns, those with compromised immune systems, and those who cannot tolerate the vaccine.
Vaccines and Our Opportunity to Control Infectious Diseases
Smallpox was a severely infectious disease caused by the variola virus. It undoubtedly caused millions of deaths and is believed to have existed since the days of ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. It was contagious, spreading from one person to another. People who had smallpox typically presented with a fever and a distinctive, distinct skin rash.
Lead Poisoning: Why Are Children at Greater Risk?
When we protect our children from lead exposure, we protect them from the adverse effects that can stay with them for a lifetime. Read more here to learn about preventing lead exposure and the availability of lead screening and testing.
National Public Health Week and Moultrie County
The Moultrie County Health Department (MCHD) is proud to support National Public Health Week (April 4-10, 2022). The 2022 theme is “Public Health Is Where You Are.”
National Poison Prevention Week: March 20-26, 2022
National Poison Prevention Week is observed the third week of March every year. Congress established the observance in 1961 to highlight the risks of being poisoned by household products. Although we’ve made substantial progress since the early 1970s, over 2 million poisonings are reported in the U.S. every year. What may surprise you is that over 90% of these occur in the home, and those affected most often are children under the age of 12.
Meningococcal Vaccines for Preteens and Teens
All preteens and teens should get vaccines to protect against meningococcal disease. Talk with your child’s doctor or nurse about meningococcal vaccination to help protect your child’s health.
Learn the Facts About Flu Vaccine!
Learn answers to your most asked flu vaccine questions!
WIC Participants Survey Now Available!
The WIC annual participant survey is available online in English and Spanish.We would love your feedback! Please share what we are doing well, and what we can do better. Please use our agency’s survey link below to share your feedback.
Violence Prevention and Support Resources
Sharing resources with everyone helps prevent violence in our communities.
WIC Farmer’s Market Program
The Moultrie County Health Department is pleased to announce the arrival of WIC Farmers Market Nutrition Program (FMNP) in Moultrie County!
The WIC FMNP was established by Congress in 1992, to provide fresh, unprepared, locally grown fruits and vegetables to WIC participants, and to expand the awareness, use of, and sales at farmers’ markets. Pregnant & Breastfeeding women and children one year and older who are certified to receive WIC program benefits or who are on a waiting list for WIC certification are eligible to participate in the WIC FMNP. A variety of fresh, nutritious, unprepared, locally grown fruits, vegetables, and herbs may be purchased with FMNP coupons.
Farmers Market Coupons will be distributed by the MCHD beginning July 1st, 2018, to all eligible WIC participants. Come to the Moultrie County Health Department and get your WIC- FMNP coupons to enjoy the fresh produce of Moultrie County all summer long! No appointment needed.
Vision and Hearing Testing
Vision And Hearing Screening services provided through the Moultrie County Health Department are available to all pre-school & school-age children in Moultrie County.
Interpretation of results and referrals to medical providers are made for clients as appropriate. Moultrie County Health Department staff are certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health in Vision and Hearing Screening.
Lead Screenings
The Moultrie County Health Department provides lead exposure screening and testing to all Moultrie County residents for whom such services are indicated. Assessment of lead risk exposure and testing are available any time at the Moultrie County Health Department. Interpretation of testing results and professional, confidential follow-up on lead exposure reduction are provided free of charge to Moultrie County residents.
Child Safety Seat Program
The Moultrie County Health Department continues to provide Child Safety Seat Assistance as a service to Moultrie County residents. A Certified Child Safety Seat Technician is available to provide education, evaluation, and assistance with proper child safety seat installation and use.
Immunizations
The Moultrie County Health Department provides all required immunizations to children through the age of 18 years as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the CDC. The Moultrie County Health Department also provides adult vaccines, including Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccines. Immunization clinics are offered at the Moultrie County Health Department three times per month. Individual appointments may be made if a client cannot be accommodated during routine clinics.