Key Phone Numbers

 

 

Sexually Transmitted Disease Testing

The Monroe County Department of Public Health provides confidential STD testing both at our clinic located in Bullshead Plaza, 855 West Main St., and at some community locations jointly with the City of Rochester. We provide education about STDs and HIV and talk with you about ways to reduce risky sexual behavior and promote healthier choices.

Your confidentiality is protected by public health laws. Everything you tell us is completely confidential.

No Appointment is needed at our Bullshead Site:

• Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Thursday: 8:30 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
• Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Community Sites:

• Roxie Ann Sinkler Rec Center, 75 Grover St, 12/14 and 12/21 from 5-7 pm
• Carter St Rec Center, 500 Carter St, 1/3, 1/10, and 1/17 from 5-7 pm
• Ave D Rec Center, 200 Ave D, 1/24 and 1/31, from 5-7 pm
• Health Department, 111 Westfall Rd, Wednesdays, 5-6:30 pm

Phone: 585 753.5481

Wind Chill Index

During the winter months in Rochester, the combined effect of wind and temperature—known as the Wind Chill Index (WCI)—can be very dangerous. We have posted links below to several credible Web sites with charts and other useful information on this subject and a letter to school superintendents.

• Wind Chill Index Chart
• Buffalo Office, National Weather Service
• CDC Extreme Cold Prevention Guide
• Letter from Health Department to School Superintendents

 

It's National Flu Vaccination Week - Have You Gotten Vaccinated?

If you haven't gotten your flu shot yet this year, it's not too late! While flu activity is currently very low in Monroe County, that is almost certain to change in the coming months. 

• Flu causes millions of illnesses, hundreds of thousands of hospitalizations and thousands or tens of thousands of deaths each year in the United States.
• Although a majority of hospitalizations and deaths occur in people 65 years and older, even healthy young children and younger adults can have severe disease or even die from influenza. 
• About 100 deaths from influenza among children are reported each year to CDC.

Everyone 6 months and older should be immunized against influenza, a serious respiratory illness. Most physician offices and pharmacies are still administering flu vaccine. The Health Department is busy vaccinating under-served communities. Protect yourself. Protect your family -- get a flu shot.

CDC Flu Web Site

 

Working Together: 
ENDING THE HIV/AIDS EPIDEMIC IN MONROE COUNTY

Monroe County Partnering to End the Epidemic (MCPEtE) is a community initiative that aligns with Governor Cuomo's End the Epidemic Blueprint Recommendations. There are a number of community partners including clinical providers and non-clinical agencies and consumers working together to address the multifaceted needs of the HIV/AIDs community.

The MCPEtE initiative addresses a number of issues including promotion of HIV testing, linking people to care, helping people stay in care, transportation, prevention services, disparities in health care, housing, mental health and addiction services, as well as embracing research in the areas of treatment, prevention and solutions to barriers.

In addition to our Department, the partners include:

New York State Department of Health Aids Institute    

Action for a Better Community  

Catholic Charities Community Services    

Center for Aids Research (URMC)    

Huther Doyle    

Jordan Health   

National Center for Deaf Health Research (URMC)    

Rochester Regional Health    

Rochester Victory Alliance (URMC)    

Strong Memorial Hospital Infectious Disease Clinic

Trillium Health    

Unity Infectious Disease    

Women’s Initiative Supporting Health (URMC)

An exciting and related new initiative has just launched to promote free and confidential HIV testing in NY. Materials are available in both English and Spanish. A feature of the program enables people to insert a zip code to find the nearest testing site. Click here to learn more about this exciting new project. Click on the multiple "circles" on left side of page to see other useful information.

 

Immunization Clinics  

New York State requires a number of immunizations to attend school. If your child or college student has not been able to get into their doctor to get all the required shots, we can help. We have clinic hours on:

• Tuesdays, BY APPT ONLY, Call for availability
• Wednesdays, NO APPT NEEDED, from Noon - 6 pm
• Thursdays, BY APPT ONLY, Call for availability

Most vaccinations are provided at no-cost through age 18. Please bring any health insurance cards and any letters that you received from school about shots that your child is missing.  Attached is a form that requires completion. If you like, you can print it at home and complete it prior to coming to save time. Appointments are also available; call 753-5150. You can e-mail us at immclinic@monroecounty.gov to ask general questions, but not to schedule an appointment.

NYS Required School Immunizations
Back to School Immunization Flyer for Posting
Health Department Immunization Form (print, complete, and bring to clinic)

 

    

Zika

Zika Virus is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. There is no risk of Zika in Monroe County at this time. The public will be alerted if this situation changes. We are working closely with the local medical community to assure that appropriate testing occurs in people with symptoms who have traveled to a Zika affected area. Additionally, while all of the exisitng research suggests that the species of mosquitoes that can transmit Zika do not circulate here, we have purchased mosquito traps and will be rotating them throughout Monroe County to verify that the Zika mosquito indeed does not thrive here.

The New York State Department of Health has established a toll-free information line, open Monday - Friday, from 9 am - 6 pm, for questions on Zika: Call 1.888.364.4723. Below are links to credible sources of information on: Zika, travel recommendations to avoid Zika, and methods to reduce mosquito populations (of all types) in and around your home. The CDC is monitoring this matter very closely and regularly updates its travel restrictions and recommendations, which are particularly important for pregnant women, or women trying to become pregnant. (Updated 5/27/2016).

Basic Zika Information
Travel Guidance To Avoid Zika
How to Reduce Mosquito Breeding Around Your Home
Pictures of Common Mosquito Breeding Locations

 

Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterium. It is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected blacklegged – or deer - ticks. Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic “bull’s eye” skin rash. Most cases of Lyme Disease can be treated successfully with a few weeks of antibiotics. If left untreated, infection can spread and become much more serious. Lyme Disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks; laboratory testing is also sometimes helpful. The number of cases in Monroe County has increased over the past few years. Steps to prevent Lyme Disease include avoiding walking through tall grass where ticks are often found, wearing light colored clothing to aid in spotting ticks, examining your body closely after having been out in areas where ticks are common, and using insect repellent containing DEET (be sure to follow label instructions). Ticks must stay attached to your body for between 24-48 hours to transmit Lyme, so promptly removing them with tweezers will likely prevent contracting Lyme disease.

CDC Lyme Disease Info
Lyme Prevention Sign

Syphilis

Syphilis cases have increased significantly over the past 6 months in Monroe County. It is important for health care providers to screen and test for syphilis and other STDs, treat promptly, encourage cooperation to identify at-risk contacts, and immediately report to Health Department. See attached documents and web site for further information.

MCDPH Syphilis Alert - June 2016
Syphils Risk Assessment Tool
CDC Syphilis Web Site

 

Shingles Vaccine

Shingles vaccine (Zostavax) is recommended for people 60 and older. The charge for this vaccine is $221. Payment is expected at the time of your visit. Your health insurance may cover some or all of the cost. We encourage you to contact them. To schedule an appointment, or for more information, please call 753-5150.

Shingles Fact Sheet - CDC

 

Birth Certificates Available @ Greece DMV on Last Saturday of Every Month

The Health Department has teamed up with the Monroe County Clerk's Office to begin making birth certificates available to Monroe County residents at the Greece DMV Office, located in the Mall @ Greece Ridge, on the last Saturday of each month from 8:30 am - 12:00 pm). Birth certificates are often needed for auto licenses and to obtain a passport. Children between 3-5 years of age can get a one-time free birth certificate and teens between 13-17 seeking a work permit can also get a one-time free birth record. Active military members and veterans can get a copy of their birth record at no charge. The cost for all others is $30 per certified copy (raised seal). Please be sure to bring valid photo ID.

 

West Nile Virus

West Nile virus (WNV) is an illness transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. The illness is most serious for older people. Healthy children and younger adults are at very low-risk for 'serious' WNV infection. The risk of human WNV infection increases towards the end of summer and into early Fall. Risk continues until the first frost. Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn. Covering exposed skin and use of insect repellent are effective at preventing bites.

• New York State Health Department-WNV
• Centers for Disease Control–West Nile Virus
• West Nile Virus CDC Brochure
• Mosquito Control Information - EPA

 

Diabetes Resource Guide - Greater Rochester

There are numerous programs in the Greater Rochester to help prevent and control diabetes. Click here to learn more.

 

On-line Health Information

The Internet is an excellent place to become more knowledgable about health. However, while there are many credible health sites, there are also sites that may contain information and recommendations that are not valid.

The links listed below contain reliable health information.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Institutes of Health (NIH)
• National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS)
• Healthfinder—Your Guide to Reliable Health Information
• New York State Department of Health
• HEALTH ACTION—Priorities for Monroe County
• New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC)
• United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• CLIC-On-Health
• US Food and Drug Administration 
• RochesterHealth.com