Clay County Health Department

10/14/2026

Calling all parents of teens! We want YOUR opinions on youth nicotine/tobacco product use. Clay County Health Department and University of Chicago are partnering for several parent-focused focus groups to learn from you. Receive $30 for participating on ZOOM.
Sign up here: https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=HC3YXCWYRFYY8KH3

10/14/2026

We often hear, "well what if my child has a bad reaction to the MMR vaccine?" But what about, "what if my child gets severely ill from measles?"

Both are real concerns from parents. But one is a much greater risk for children.

Most children who get the MMR vaccine have no or only mild side effects. But measles can lead to high fever, spreading rash, pneumonia, swelling of the brain, and even death.

🔗Learn more about measles and the MMR vaccine: https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/measles.html

10/14/2026

💉 What are you going to do on this rainy day? ☔
Need a flu shot or COVID-19 vaccine? We’ve got you covered! 💙
🚗 Stop by the Clay County Health Department TODAY!
Follow the signs to our Drive-Thru Flu/COVID-19 Clinic and get vaccinated without leaving the comfort of your vehicle!
📍 Today until 4:00 PM!
Stay safe, stay healthy, and let us help protect you this season! 💙💉

10/13/2026

Early detection saves lives. A monthly breast self exam can help you notice changes and start the conversation with your doctor.

Early detection saves lives. A monthly breast self exam can help you notice changes and start the conversation with your doctor. Here's how to do it:
1️⃣ In Front of a Mirror
👉 Look for changes in size, shape, or skin (dimpling, swelling, redness)
👉 Check ni***es for changes or discharge
👉 Place hands on hips and flex chest muscles - watch for differences between sides

2️⃣ In the Shower
👉 Use the pads of your 3 middle fingers to check your entire breast and armpit
👉 Apply light, medium, and firm pressure
👉 Feel for lumps, knots, or thickened areas

3️⃣ Lying Down
👉 Place a pillow under your shoulder and right arm behind your head
👉 Use the opposite hand to check your breast and armpit with light, medium, and firm pressure
👉 Don't forget to check both breasts

🔔 Remember: breasts are naturally asymmetrical, but if you notice a new lump, change, or anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider.

10/09/2026

Prevention is important for everyone, especially those living with chronic health conditions!

West Nile virus can affect anybody, but people with conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, kidney disease, cancer, or weakened immune systems may be at greater risk for serious complications.

Symptoms can range from a mild fever or headache to more severe illness, including high fever, severe headaches and body aches, confusion, tremors, seizures, paralysis, and, in the most serious cases, death. Symptoms typically develop 3-14 days after the bite of an infected mosquito.

Take steps to prevent mosquito bites and reduce your risk of West Nile virus:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent.
• Wear loose-fitting, long sleeves and pants when possible.
• Avoid areas with mosquitoes, especially during peak mosquito activity.
• Remove standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed.

10/09/2026

🤯Wow, Clay County, you blew us away! 💙

We had around 400 in attendance last night at our Annual Trick or Treat Sesame Street and Explore-a-Truck 🥳 Thank you all for coming and we hope you had a great time! Let's see your pictures below in the comments 📸

🤝Special thanks going out to:
City of Flora for allowing us to use the area and for setting up picnic tables
U of I Extension for allowing us to use their tables
C**n Hunters Club for allowing us to use the bathrooms
Simple Joy Balloon Creations for the donation of the BEAUTIFUL and most perfect balloon arch for our backdrop 💛

ANNND a HUGE special thank you to all the local agencies, businesses, volunteers, and organizations for coming together and braving the heat to provide this fun experience for families. Whether you set up a table with treats (no tricks) or brought a big truck to explore, WE APPRECIATE YOU AND EVERYTHING YOU DO! 💓

Now we are leaving Sesame Street behind and heading on to our next big adventure in the spring. What would you like to see there? What was your favorite part or what is something you miss that we've offered before? Let us know!
👀Stay tuned for more information 👀 See you next time, Clay County!

10/09/2026

10/09/2026

10/08/2026

4th Annual Trick or Treat Sesame Street and Explore-a-Truck