The Alleghany Health District is working to prevent epidemics and the spread of disease, protect the environment, prevent injury, promote and encourage healthy behavior, respond to disasters and assist communities in recovery and assure the quality and accessibility of health services for all members of our communities.
Manufacturer Issues Voluntary Recall of Lo/Ovral Birth Control Pills
Pfizer Inc., the manufacturer of Lo/Ovral birth control pills has issued a recall for certain packs of Lo/Ovral distributed between January and December 2011. The recall is the result of a packaging error. The manufacturer states that “As a result of this packaging error, the daily regimen for these oral contraceptives may be incorrect and could leave women without adequate contraception, and at risk for unintended pregnancy. These packaging defects do not pose any immediate health risks. However, consumers exposed to affected packaging should begin using a non-hormonal form of contraception immediately. Patients who have the affected product should notify their physician and return the product to the pharmacy.”
If you took pills affected by the recall and have concerns or questions, please contact Pfizer Inc. at their customer service line, 877-509-3935.
If you received packs of Lo/Ovral from the Virginia Department of Health you can return them to the local health department where you got them and exchange them for new pills at no charge. For more information contact your local health department.
Alleghany Health District
Alleghany Health District includes the following health departments:
Botetourt County, Town of Clifton Forge, City of Covington, Craig County, Roanoke County/City of Salem, and Roanoke County/Town of Vinton
Travel Immunizations
If you are planning a trip out of the country, visit the Centers for Disease Control Web site: www.cdc.gov/travel/
The CDC Web site is easy to use. Enter your travel destination and you will be told what immunizations are recommended or required, a list of diseases and protection needed.
Protect Yourself
Discuss your plans and vaccination recommendations with your personal health provider. Be sure to make these necessary arrangements at least one month before you plan to leave to make sure the vaccinations are effective.