About the Health Department
"Building a Model Public Health Community"
Summer Camps - Do Your Children Have the Proper Protection from the Sun ALL Day?
School is out and many children will be attending camps with plenty of outdoor activity. Often parents apply sunscreen in the morning before kids leave for the day-this simply isn't enough to protect your child from the sun's rays for the entire day!
Many camps provide a permission slip for camp counselors to reapply sunscreen to children throughout the day; after swimming, after activity and after several hours in the sun. Take advantage of the opportunity! Don't let your child come home with a sunburn that could have been prevented!
Here are a few good resources for understanding the importance of sunscreens, sun safety and skin cancer prevention:
Hurricane Season with Heavy Rains, Power Outages, High Winds and Oftern the Threat of Tornadoes Begins June 1 - Are You Prepared?
Severe Storm Resource Information
Power Outages
During a severe weather event be sure to follow the Health Department Twitter Page, and the Howard County Government Twitter Page, for real-time updates. Be sure to sign up for NotifyMe Howard to stay up to date on all current Howard County events.
Updated Immunization Requirements for Children Enrolled in Preschool through 12th Grade During the 2013-2014 School Year
Recent changes to State immunization requirements, have caused some understandable confusion amongst parents. For the 2013-2014 school year a TOTAL of TWO doses of Measles, TWO Mumps and TWO Rubella, commonly known as MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccine are required. Most children born and raised in the United States received the combined MMR vaccine and would not have to be concerned about the change. Children from outside of the United States may have received each of these vaccines separately, which could require a second dose of Mumps and/or Rubella.
If there is a question about your child's immunization status, you should contact your pediatrician as soon as possible to ensure a timely update to your school's health room. If you have additional questions or concerns, please contact our Immunization Program at 410-313-7500.
Immunization Guidelines
Partners Collaborate on Telephone Survey to Attack Howard County Health Needs Despite Being Healthiest in State
The Howard County Health Department and partners Horizon Foundation, Howard County General Hospital and Columbia Association announced the results of the first biennial Howard County Health Assessment Survey, a comprehensive telephone survey conducted over the course of several months during the Summer and Fall of 2012. Click here to read more about the results of the survey and to get additional resources.
Corona Virus - Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus (MERS-CoV)
A new coronavirus called “Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus” (MERS-CoV) was identified in 2012 as the cause of respiratory illness in people. Investigations are being done to figure out the source of MERS-CoV and how it spreads. So far, there are NO reports of anyone in the U.S. getting infected and sick with MERS-CoV. More information about MERS-CoV is available at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/ncv/.
Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus
Sporadic human cases of infection with avian influenza A (H7N9) continue to be reported in China, but the increase in case counts has fallen off from the month of April, when multiple cases were being reported each day. As of the latest report on May 8, there were 131 confirmed cases of H7N9 with 32 deaths. CDC continues to take proactive preparedness measures in response to the public health threat posed by the emergence of this new virus.
For more information about the Avian Influenza A (H7N9) Virus click on the following:
For Health Care Professionals, click on the following links for information:
Are You Traveling Abroad?
Before you go, check the CDC website for travel information, News & Announcements and Travel Notices. Click HERE to visit their site.
Seasonal Flu Vaccine Clinic Information
The 2012-2013 Immunization Clinics are still underway. CLICK HERE for locations, dates and times
To Request the Health Department at Your Next Health Event
CLICK HERE.
The Health Department Looks Forward to a Move to the Ascend One Building in the Fall
Click Here for more information
Contact Numbers:
Administration: 410-313-6300
Toll Free: 1-866-313-6300
Columbia Health Center: 410-313-7500
North Laurel Health Center: 410-313-0630
Behavioral Health Services/Substance Abuse Services: 410-313-6202
Environmental Health: 410-313-2640