Immunizations

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging all North Dakotans to choose to be immunized against respiratory infections to prevent serious illness.

These infections, which include influenza, respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus (RSV), and COVID-19, can follow a seasonal pattern with more cases in late fall and winter. During the 2022-2023 season, these viruses placed a heavy burden on families and health care systems.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus (WNV) cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause WNV infection. 

As of Aug. 22, North Dakota reported nine human WNV cases, with additional cases pending further results. Of the nine cases, eight were hospitalized, and seven were neuroinvasive cases. In addition to human cases, three birds and 22 mosquito pools have also tested positive for WNV.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends some back-to-school health and well-being practices to support strong, stable families and vibrant communities. 

Communities around the globe, including North Dakota, recognize June as Men’s Health Month, an annual observance dedicated to education and activities promoting the health and wellness of men and boys. This year also marks the 29th anniversary of the establishment of National Men’s Health Week, which is being celebrated June 12-18 this year as part of the larger awareness campaign of Men’s Health Month.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is encouraging the public to take steps to protect against hantavirus disease. As the weather begins to warm, many people will be cleaning cabins, sheds and other outdoor buildings that have been closed for the winter. These are places that exposure to hantavirus is more likely to occur.  

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) recommends people take precautions against ticks and the diseases they carry.

As another school year wraps up and families are planning for summer, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is reminding parents and caregivers to make sure their children are current on immunizations. Many pediatric and family practice clinics throughout the state are already booking wellness and physical activity appointments into the next few months. Making an appointment now ensures that your child is ready for the upcoming school year.

Income eligibility guidelines for the North Dakota Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) have increased based on changes in the federal poverty levels.  The change increases the amount of income a family can make and still qualify for services. Effective May 1, 2023, a family of four can earn up to $4,625 each month (or $55,500 annually) and meet the new WIC income eligibility requirements. 

With the end of the federal COVID-19 public health emergency today, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) reminds North Dakotans about health priorities, early intervention and prevention, and the programs and services that are available to support health and well-being.  

Income eligibility guidelines for diagnostic and treatment services available through North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Special Health Services Unit (SHS) have increased based on changes in the federal poverty levels. The change increases the amount of income a family can earn and still qualify for services. Effective May 1, 2023, a family of four can earn up to $55,500 annually (or $4,625 monthly per household) and still meet income eligibility requirements.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is celebrating National Public Health Week, April 3-9, and recognizing the public health professionals on its team, in local public health units, and in other settings who work to improve the health, well-being and quality of life of North Dakotans of all ages across the state.

March 19-25 is nationally recognized as Poison Prevention Week. This year’s National Poison Prevention Week theme, “When poison happens, we’re here for you” aims to raise awareness of the danger of poisons and provide appropriate resources available to citizens. This week, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is raising awareness about the resources available to families in the event of poisoning. HHS also wants citizens to know that poison centers are available 24/7 for questions and emergencies.

February is nationally designated as Children’s Dental Health Month. This month-long health observance brings together dental professionals, health care providers and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their parents and other caregivers, teachers and others.

On Jan. 1, 2023, North Dakota Health and Human Services’ Medicaid program extended health care coverage for eligible pregnant and new mothers from 60 days to 12 months after pregnancy to help improve maternal and child health outcomes and overall well-being. 

As medical care and treatment have improved, babies and children with birth defects are living longer and healthier lives. Recent reports show that rates of infant deaths due to birth defects have declined by 10% in the United States. However, every 4½ minutes a baby is born with a major birth defect in the United States. That’s why North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is promoting Birth Defects Prevention Month and working to increase awareness.

The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Primary Care Office is now accepting applications for the North Dakota Health Service Corps from qualified health care professionals and health care sites.

December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month. The North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Behavioral Health Division (BHD) and Vision Zero are teaming up to raise awareness about ways to prevent injuries and deaths resulting from impaired driving during the holiday season. 

Last week, following authorization by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended expanded use of the bivalent COVID-19 vaccine to children ages 6 months through 5 years.

World AIDS Day is recognized every year on December 1, to bring awareness to the response to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. This day is a time to reflect on the response efforts, while also honoring the lives of those lost to AIDS-related illnesses and showing support for those living with HIV. 

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) Emergency Medical Systems Unit recognizes CHI Mercy Health Valley City as the first Acute Cardiac Ready Hospital in North Dakota.

On Monday, Nov. 21, as part of a national recognition, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) celebrates Public Health Thank You Day.  

The North Dakota Department of Health and Humans Services (HHS) is encouraging all North Dakotans to choose to be vaccinated against influenza. Nationwide, and in North Dakota, there has been an increase in influenza in recent weeks. This increase in influenza cases has happened in conjunction with an early increase in other respiratory viruses, especially among children.

Nov. 3, 2022, marks the seventh annual One Health Day, a Global Day of Action that promotes awareness of the relationships among human, animal and ecosystem health. North Dakota’s Department of Agriculture (NDDA), Game and Fish Department (NDGF), Department of Environmental Quality (NDDEQ), and Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) encourage the public to recognize the interconnection of people, animals, plants and the environment they share.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Nelson-Griggs District Health Unit are investigating a reported case of active Tuberculosis Disease (TB) in Nelson County.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) has received reports of increased numbers of pediatric hospitalizations due to respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, otherwise known as RSV. Due to the current increased activity, HHS is encouraging broader testing for RSV among young children and older adults who have acute (severe) respiratory illness. 

Today, the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Public Health Division responded to the final report of an audit of the Department of Health conducted by the Office of the State Auditor that covered the biennium ending June 2021.

“The auditor’s office spent over one year completing their inquiry. During this time, they reviewed testing of compliance and financial records, contact tracing, COVID-19 deaths, COVID-19 vaccine storage, handling and distribution, COVID-19 testing and reporting, and COVID-19 dashboards and information systems and had no findings for these areas,” said HHS Public Health Division Executive Director Dirk Wilke.

Governor Doug Burgum has proclaimed October as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Month and October 15 as Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. In North Dakota, approximately 59 pregnancies end in miscarriage or stillbirth each year (after 20 weeks of pregnancy).

Health and human service professionals and service providers are invited to attend the North Dakota Symposium on Adults, Aging and Disabilities, Oct. 26-27, at the Radisson Hotel in Bismarck.   

This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommended expanded use of the newly-available bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as a single-dose booster for children ages 5 to 11 who previously completed the primary series at least two months prior.

Gov. Burgum proclaimed the month of October as Influenza Prevention Month and the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services is reminding everyone to get vaccinated against influenza (flu) this fall.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) was notified on September 16, 2022, that the raccoon identified in connection with the incident at the Maddock Bar tested negative for rabies.

HHS issued a statement on September 13 regarding the situation, as at that time the whereabouts of the raccoon were still being determined. 

Both the original story and the update are available in this post.

North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture (NDDA) encourage people who come into contact with live poultry to take precautions to avoid illness. Contact with live poultry or their environments can be a source of germs such as Salmonella, Campylobacter, and E. coli. There is also a potential for infection with avian Influenza A virus.

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has seen a rise in reported West Nile virus (WNV) cases in recent weeks. State health officials are reminding people to continue taking precautions against mosquito bites that can cause WNV infection.