Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, operational procedures have changed. 
Before entering the building, please give us a call at 812-427-3220.
Issues will be handled on a case-by-case basis. 
No adult vaccines are being given at this time.
Please call ahead for infant vaccines and allergy shots.
If you have symptoms of cough, fever, shortness of breath or if you have traveled recently or had close contact with a person who has been ill in the last 14 days, please call your primary care provider.
For Indiana recent updates and Novel Coronavirus map visit: https://coronavirus.in.gov/ 

For Immediate Release
April 7, 2020
Update on the Coronavirus Situation in Switzerland County
​The Switzerland County Health Department continues to monitor multiple individuals with illness typical for COVID-19 infection.  We are unable to test everyone who is ill for reasons beyond our control, but are making progress. The true number of infected people is much higher than we can report and community spread is extremely active.

11 Switzerland County residents have tested positive for COVID-19
4 are hospitalized with severe disease. 

Private labs are backlogged nationwide and results from those labs are still pending even 2 weeks after testing.  Additionally, Hospitals, ER’s, and private clinics in other counties or states are not communicating the number of Switzerland County Residents they are testing.  They are required by law to report the positive tests to the Switzerland County Health Department. They are not required to report the negative tests or even the number of tests they have done.  Rest assured that just because the number of positive tests has not changed for Switzerland County, it does not mean that community spread is controlled.

Please behave as if you have COVID-19.   Even people with mild or no symptoms can pass the infection on to their loved ones.  Behave as if you are infected and take precautions to avoid transmitting this potentially dangerous infection to your friends, family and neighbors.   Social distancing, hand washing, and personal hygiene are our best defense. We must protect our most vulnerable family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, even if we are not experiencing symptoms ourselves. 
​
The majority of people infected with COVID-19 require no special medication or treatment, and can recover at home, but infection can cause more severe symptoms especially in the elderly or those with underlying medical problems or poor general health.  Please use the Emergency Room and our county EMS service for emergencies only.  ​​
​
Scott Frede, MD – Health Officer
Switzerland County Health Department

​ACT NOW
Protect yourself and others from COVID19 

PROTECT YOURSELF!

• 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. AVOID public places as much as possible. 
• 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.
• Put distance between yourself and other people a minimum of (6) feet. 

PROTECT OTHERS! 

• Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

• 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.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

• If you are sick: You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
• If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

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.
• See the CDC complete disinfecting guide below.

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 Available

Flu vaccines are now available! If you have private insurance be sure to bring your insurance card. Most insurances are accepted. You can call your insurance company if you need to know if there is a copay. Most insurances cover flu vaccines in full. 
If you are uninsured, any age, the State of Indiana provides vaccines for free at our office.
If you have an Indiana plan or Medicaid and are age 18 or under, these are also provided by the State free of charge. We are sorry that we cannot provide vaccines for adults age 19 and up who are on Medicaid or any State plan.
Vaccines are given Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday 8:00-10:30 and noon-3:30.
Call with any questions. 812-427-3220

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

At this time we do not make appointments for children's immunizations. It is strictly walk-in only. The nurse is available for these 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 can also accept most insurances.

2019-2020 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

Betty Lucas, Administrator
Donna Faber, Registrar/Vital Records
Joyce Fields, County Health 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