National Influenza Vaccination Week occurs every December to highlight the importance of influenza vaccination. Even this late in the year is still a good time to protect oneself with a flu vaccine. In years where the vaccine is well-matched to the viruses circulating, the flu vaccine can reduce the risk of getting flu illness between 40% and 60%. If you do get sick, being  vaccinated has many benefits like reducing symptoms and lessening the risk of hospitalization (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Influenza vaccines are just one of the many vaccines provided at the Putnam County Department of Health, with two driving forces behind the immunization program: Public Health Nurse Jeanette Baldanza and Immunization Assistant Mary McCormack. Just about everyone who has received a vaccine at the health department has spoken to at least one of them. Continue reading to learn more about what working at the health department means to them.

What is your favorite part of working at the health department?
Jeanette Baldanza (JB): Interacting with the public and the kids at schools.
Mary McCormack (MM): I am proud to be part of helping others and safeguarding the health of Putnam County residents. The health department is committed to service in the community, and I am pleased to contribute to the public’s well-being.

Is there a particularly rewarding experience you’d like to share?
JB: Several kids at the school vaccination clinics remember us from year to year.
MM: All the off-site vaccine flu clinics that we host are a vital opportunity to connect with Putnam County residents. This is one opportunity for us to let them know that the County cares about them.

What does your day-to-day work look like?
JB: Every day is different.
MM: No two days are the same. There is preparation and planning for clinics and events. Organizing and securing facilities, materials, and personnel. Post-event record keeping and analysis, team meetings and brainstorming sessions. We embrace a constant commitment to improvement and excellence. 

What do you wish the public knew about your job?
JB: Vaccines really do prevent disease and they are the number-one public health prevention technique. 
MM: The public should know that their health and well-being are foremost in our plans and actions.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? 
JB: If you’ve seen one flu season, you’ve seen one flu season. They are all different.
MM: “It isn’t business, it’s personal.” We care about everything that we do .

What have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned throughout your career?
JB: To be able to learn new things and incorporate that knowledge into our day-to-day work.
MM: Honest self and team evaluations are necessary to improvement and achievement. Critical analysis is not always easy but always needed. Mistakes are the best teacher.

Flu vaccines are available at regularly scheduled health department immunization clinics, which happen at least twice a month. Call 845-808-1332 to make an appointment. You can also find a flu vaccine at your pharmacy or healthcare provider.

References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2023, February 8). Vaccine Effectiveness: How Well Do Flu Vaccines Work? Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/vaccines-work/vaccineeffect.htm