NOTICE!
We are pleased to announce that the state department of health will be offering free drive through testing in our community Tuesday 7/28 through Saturday 8/1 and if we have enough people utilize the site, Tuesday 8/4 through Saturday 8/8.  The hours are from 9am until 6pm each day and require no appointment and are free to Indiana Residents from any county. Testing is for age 12 and up. There is no need to call the Health Department or your health care provider prior to testing.  Please take advantage of this program.  Drive through testing will take place at the Switzerland County Fairgrounds.  

For Indiana Coronavirus testing sites, please go to this link https://www.coronavirus.in.gov/2524.htm . When clicking on a location, be sure to fully read about the site in the popup box. Some are Optum sites that are free with no requirements of symptoms to get tested and others are not State sites and will require insurance information.

For gatherings of 250 or more, please read below!!

​For Immediate Release
August 7, 2020
Update on the Coronavirus in Switzerland County
​
Mask up, Wash up, keep your distance.   

2 additional positive cases.  
48 Switzerland County Residents have tested positive for Covid-19 since March. 

Free testing is still available from 9am until 6pm today and Saturday.  No appointments required and are free to Indiana Residents from any county. There is no need to call the Health Department or your health care provider prior to testing.  Please take advantage of this program.  Drive through testing will take place at the Switzerland County Fairgrounds.  
​
Over 950 Switzerland County residents have been tested.  If you have symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal cramps, body aches, diarrhea or loss of taste or smell, please call your healthcare provider to schedule an appointment for evaluation and testing, and, most importantly, stay home from work, daycare, or school activities.   Given the risk to older people and those with underlying medical problems, it is very important to self isolate if you are sick to prevent spread to those most vulnerable.  Even though the vast majority of people infected with Covid-19 have minimal symptoms, please be thoughtful of your family, friends and neighbors who might be more vulnerable to severe disease.
​
Mask up, Wash up, keep your distance.   ​

 ​Scott Frede, MD – Health Officer
Switzerland County Health Department

For Indiana recent updates, Novel Coronavirus map and testing sites for Indiana residents visit: https://coronavirus.in.gov/ 

Public Health Notice for Gatherings of 250 or more
Due to increasing incidence of COVID19, Governor Holcomb has slowed reopening of our state and added a new requirement for gatherings with over 250 participants expected. These gatherings are required to have a plan approved by the county Health Officer before moving forward.  Event planners and organizers are asked to call or email the Switzerland County Health Department for assistance in determining if your event is covered by this order and answer your questions on completing your plan. This new directive is effective 7/23/2020 and remains in effect until further notice.
 
Area businesses are reminded of current guidelines of:
75% capacity for dining room food services
50% capacity for bars and clubs
Food servers must wear masks at all times while on the job
 
The Switzerland County Health Department would like to thank you for your support in preventing the spread of COVID19 in our community.
 
Please Remember
Mask up, Wash up, keep your distance!   
http://www.switzerland-county.com/health.html 
812 427 3220 

​The Switzerland County Health Department is open to the public. Some procedures have changed:

1. If needing vaccines, blood pressure, allergy shots for those who have vials in our office or anything concerning the nurse, please call to schedule an appointment before you come. Have your insurance card or Medicaid card with you when you call and you will be pre-registered over the phone. Be sure to bring it to the office with you also.
2. Face masks must be put on before entering the office and at all times while in the office. This includes children over the age of 2.
3. When possible, only one child with a parent. If this is not possible and you need to bring more than one child in at the same time, they must be with you at all times.
4. The nurse may take your temperature upon arrival.
5. If you are needing to speak with the Food Inspector, Sanitarian or need birth or death certificates we would appreciate a call ahead.
6. Do not enter the building if you have symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, abdominal cramps, body aches diarrhea or loss of taste or smell.
7. Please protect yourself and your family by wearing a facial covering when in public, practice social distancing, and continue to wash hands regularly.

VACCINES

If your CHILD needs school vaccines, call the Switzerland Co Health Dept for an appointment (new policy). We accept most insurances and even if you don't have insurance we have you covered.
Have insurance information available when you call.

We also have shingles vaccines for ADULTS along with other vaccines. Give us a call for an appointment (new policy). Be sure to check with your insurance company to see what they pay.
​Have insurance information available when you call.
812-427-3220 

Staying Healthy
Clean your hands often

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick
• Stay home as much as possible.
• Put distance between yourself and other people.

• Remember that some people without symptoms may be able to spread virus.
• Keeping distance from others is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others

• You could spread COVID-19 to others even if you do not feel sick.
• Everyone should wear a cloth face cover when they have to go out in public, for example to the grocery store or to pick up other necessities.
  • Cloth face coverings should not be placed on young children under age 2, anyone who has trouble breathing, or is unconscious, incapacitated or otherwise unable to remove the mask without assistance.
• The cloth face cover is meant to protect other people in case you are infected.
• Do NOT use a facemask meant for a healthcare worker.
• Continue to keep about 6 feet between yourself and others. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.

More details: Cloth Face Covers

Cover coughs and sneezes

• If you are in a private setting and do not have on your cloth face covering, remember to always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
• Throw used tissues in the trash.
• Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Clean and disinfect

• Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
• If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

CDC DISINFECTION GUIDE

CDC Home Care Guide

ISDH Epidemiology Resource Center
24 hour hot line - 877 826 0011
email -  epiresource@isdh.in.gov

ALL INFORMATION below predates the COVID19 

FORMS

• Birth-Certificate-Application
• Death Certificate Application
• Temp Food Permit​

LINKS

• Vaccine Requirements for School
• Indiana State Department of Health​

​ANNOUNCEMENTS

Flu Vaccines should be in approximately late August early September. 

WE CAN NOW BILL INSURANCE FOR VACCINES

updated on 2019-06-12 by br

The Switzerland Co Health Department can now bill insurance for adult and children vaccines. Come see us for your child's school vaccines! We can accept most insurances. Call or bring in your card and we can run the insurance to see if you are covered. You should call your insurance company to see what vaccines they cover and if there is a copay. Adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date also, the same as children because immunity from childhood vaccines can wear off over time. You are also at risk for different diseases as an adult. Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available. All adults need a flu vaccine every year. You may need other vaccines based on your age, health conditions, job, lifestyle, or travel habits. Learn more about what other vaccines may be recommended for you and talk to your healthcare professional about which vaccines are right for you. We still have the VFC (Vaccines for Children) through the Indiana State Dept of Health for ages birth to 18 years of age for those without insurance, on Medicaid or insurance does not cover vaccines. We also have the adult program through the Indiana State Dept of Health for those who do not have health insurance or who do not have coverage for vaccines.  This includes Medicare patients because it does not cover vaccines.

HEPATITIS C and HIV TESTING

posted on 2017-09-13 by Donna Faber

The Health Department is now doing free Hepatitis C and HIV testing on a walk-in or call-in basis. Please call us at 812-427-3220 for more details. All information is confidential.

PURCHASING A NEW DWELLING?

posted on 2017-09-13 by Donna Faber

If you are planning to purchase an existing home outside city limits, be sure to call the Health Dept to make sure the septic is up to code first! 812-427-3220

BIRTH AND DEATH CERTIFICATES

posted on 2014-12-03 by Donna Faber

Birth and Death Certificates have to be applied for in the county in which the birth or death occurred or through Indiana Vital Records.

If you are needing a genealogy copy of birth or death, please contact us first to make sure we have the record. Genealogy copies are not legal documents and are $1.00 per copy.

Switzerland Co charges $12 for each CERTIFIED copy.
Complete and follow instructions on the form's link above and to the left for a certified copy.

IMMUNIZATIONS

posted on 2014-12-03 by Donna Faber

Call for an appointment to get vaccines. The nurse is available from 8:00-10:30 am and 12:00-3:30 pm on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays and 8:00 am to 11:30 am on Thursdays.

• Vaccines are given to Birth through 18 years of age free of charge if you have:
• Medicaid
• American Indian/Native Alaskan
• No Health Insurance
• Insurance Does Not Cover Vaccines (Underinsured)

We also accept most insurances.

2020-2021 School Required Vaccinations

The Switzerland County Health Department's purpose is to prevent communicable and chronic diseases by immunizations and testing. Also, to maintain a safe environment for all our residents including disaster events.

These goals will be beneficial to all our county residents.

MEET THE TEAM

Donna Faber, Administrator/Vital Records
Joyce Fields, County Health Nurse
Angela Splain, Backup Nurse
Mark Helt, Environmentalist/Sanitarian
Kelli Jester, Food Inspector
Mark Reed, Public Health Coordinator
Scott Frede, M.D., Health Officer

KEEP IN TOUCH

(P)812.427.3220
(F)812.427.0235

PO Box 14
1190 W Main St, Suite 300
Vevay IN 47043