SYCAMORE | The Sycamore Fire Department received the first wave of swine flu vaccines this past week.

Fire Chief Bill Riddle said there have been two clinics at both Fire Department locations so far, with the final one on Thursday.

The first wave of H1N1 vaccinations went to fire, police and emergency medical personnel because they come in contact most with people who could have the H1N1 virus.

“If say one of these influenza outbreaks were to become very big, we’re the people who would be transporting people around, and we want to keep as many of our people healthy as we can,” Riddle said. “The second reason is you don’t want us to be spreading the disease.”

According to the DeKalb County Health Department Web site, those most susceptible to the H1N1 flu are six to 24-year-olds and are urged to get the vaccination. Riddle got his shot Thursday to stay healthy while dealing with people who may have the swine flu.

“People over 50 are not generally recommended to get the first wave [of flu shots],” Riddle said. “But being in emergency services, I think I probably should do that and set the example.”

Riddle said the next wave of shots should go to certain target groups, or people most susceptible to the swine flu. The DeKalb County Health Department Web site lists the target groups as pregnant women, people who live with or care for children younger than six months, everyone six to 24-years-old and 25 to 64-year-olds with health conditions associated with a higher risk of medical complications from influenza. Health care and emergency medical service personnel are also included in the target groups.

Riddle said less than half of the firefighters in Sycamore have gotten the vaccine.

“There are some who are wondering if the shot is safe and they’re kind of waiting for more information,” Riddle said. “I think it’s reflective of the general society.”

According to a poll done by the American Red Cross, half of those polled are wondering if the H1N1 vaccine is safe. In addition, only four in 10 Americans are planning on getting the shot
and planning on having their children vaccinated.

“Looking at the recent poll I’ve just seen from the Red Cross, we’re looking like the rest of society,” Riddle said. “We pretty much reflect just about 40 percent.”

Riddle said Fire Department employees are practicing the three C’s, as recommended by the DeKalb County Health Department and NIU Health Services. The three C’s are clean, cover and contain. People are urged to wash their hands frequently, cover coughs and sneezes with their sleeve or a tissue and to stay home if they are sick.

“A lot of people feel that they have to work up and to the point where you send them home,” Riddle said. “I think one of the dangers here is once you infect everyone, then not only do you hurt your workplace and your coworkers, but the general public too.”

Riddle said the Fire Department is taking extra precautions, especially when a patient calls with flu-like symptoms, and encourages everyone to take care of themselves to stay healthy.

“I urge the public to take a flu shot if they can and also practice those things about washing hands and covering coughs and sneezes with tissues and cleaning services at work with disinfectant,” Riddle said. “We want everyone to stay healthy.”

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