STEUBENVILLE - Local health department officials continue to urge residents to take precautions to avoid seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu as they wait for the first of the swine flu vaccines to arrive in Jefferson County.

The Ohio Department of Health said the first shipment of nasal flu mist vaccines were to arrive in the state this week and then are to be divided among community health agencies.

"That initial shipment will be sent to hospitals and health departments throughout the state, and we are expecting to order the vaccine shots in a couple of weeks," reported Steubenville Health Commissioner Patty Reda.

"We continue to get instructions on the H1N1 flu preparations on a weekly basis and at this point the initial vaccines will be offered to health care and emergency workers. After that the vaccine shots should start arriving for distribution for people in the designated high risk groups, including pregnant women, children less than 6 months old, then young children from 6 months to 24 years of age, then people 25 to 64 year old with chronic illness and finally all other individuals," explained Reda.

"Once we know we will have the vaccines available we will make an announcement listing where and when the vaccines will be available" added Reda.

According to Bruce Misselwitz, Jefferson County Health Department administrator, his department is preparing to work in conjunction with Trinity Medical Center West and the Steubenville Health Department.

"At this point we are continuing to monitor and preparing for the H1N1 virus and making plans for mass immunizations," Misselwitz said.

Officials at the Franciscan University of Steubenville Wellness Center are continuing to advise students, staff and faculty "to wash their hands regularly and to avoid sneezing and coughing on other people."

"We have not seen anyone at the Wellness Center with swine flu symptoms, but we are also continuing to prepare along with the local health departments," said Diann Schmitt, associate director of the university wellness center. "We are also following all recommendations issued by the Ohio Department of Health and the Center for Disease Control.

"We are offering a lot of education and prevention suggestions and urging students to seek assistance at the health center at the first signs of illness," stressed Schmitt.

Misselwitz said the Jefferson County Health Department is continuing to offer seasonal flu vaccines this week, including a clinic today from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. at the Richmond Methodist Church.

Additional seasonal flu vaccine clinics are set:

9 a.m. to 10 a.m. today at the East Springfield Church of the Cross.

10:15 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. today at the Amsterdam Municipal Building.

1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. today at the Unionport Volunteer Fire Department.

The adult seasonal flu vaccinations also will be administered from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the Jefferson County Health Department nursing office in the Ohio Valley Towers.

According to a health department spokesperson, Advantra members must pre-pay and will be given a receipt.

Children may get flu shots by appointment only by stopping at the nursing office in Room 704 or by calling (740) 283-8641 to schedule an appointment.

Reda is continuing to urge area residents to take simple steps to avoid catching or spreading the flu.

"Frequent hand washing is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of illness. Other important preventive measures include coughing or sneezing into the crook of the elbow; staying away from sick people as much as possible; if you are sick stay at home try not to touch eyes, nose or mouth; and if you develop signs of serious illness go to your health professional. Finally when possible cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing and/or sneezing and throw away the tissue," Reda stated.

(Gossett can be contacted at dgossett@heraldstaronline.com.)