Perry County Health Director on H1N1

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Perry County Health Department Director Jodi Schoen said her department is preparing to follow the mandated protocol for doling out the H1N1 vaccine, which is expected to be available in October.

There have not been any confirmed cases of H1N1 in Perry County, Schoen said. However, that does not mean it isn't present.

"People could just have less severe cases," Schoen said.

H1N1 affects younger people. The target groups for vaccination are children and young adults ages six months through 24 years, vulnerable populations: pregnant women, those with medical conditions and health care and emergency services workers.

In all, there are about 10,000 people in Perry County who fall into the targeted populations. The Health Department will receive the vaccine weekly and will hold public clinics.

Schoen said she will work with area schools, hospitals, pharmacies, John A. Logan College, ESDA and other providers.

The government has determined that the vaccine is mandatory for school children. The children will be vaccinated free of charge. Schoen said PCHD has received grants to help defray costs.

PCHD offered early seasonal flu shot clinics this year. The seasonal flu shot offers some protection from H1N1. The clinics are held on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Pinckneyville PCHD office. The clinics began Sept. 17 and will continue as long as supplies last.

Cost is $30 for flu shot and $55 for pneumonia shot. PCHD accepts, cash, checks and Medicare Part B. Please bring your Medicare Card.

PCHD is running low on the seasonal flu shots, but there are other providers, such as doctors offices and pharmacies. There is not a shortage.

In other business:

voted to use Exelon as the electricity supplier for county buildings. The 24 months contract offers savings of $6,000 per year. The board debated on whether or not it was a good idea to lock in prices for two years, but decided it was a safe bet. "Has the cost of electricity ever gone down," asked Commissioner Sam Robb. Deregulation has allowed commercial and government properties to select alternative energy suppliers. Ameren is still the distributor and still maintains the lines.

heard from Sheriff Keith Kellerman that the bidding process for repairs on the jail will continue as scheduled. Bids will be opened Sept. 28. However, the contractor who is selected will not begin work until this spring. Some of the required materials take six weeks to arrive and the project is expected to take 50 to 60 days.

heard from Treasurer Bill Taylor that real estate tax collections are going well. The due date for the first installment is due Oct. 16. Taxing bodies can expect to have their disbursements within a week of that date. Taylor added that by using hiring a company to print and mail the tax bills, he saved $1,200 in postage.