POMEROY — Commenting on the H1N1 (swine flu) Friday while visiting in Meigs County, Dr. Alvin D. Jackson, Ohio Department of Health director, emphasized the state’s preparedness for a swine flu pandemic.

“I want to reassure everyone that the state is prepared, and that the anti-viral vaccine is coming soon,” he said. Dr. Jackson described the virus as “unpredictable” adding that “in a pandemic, the virus is more lively and sometimes takes over.”

However, he emphasized that Ohio is ready to face the swine flu challenge. “By early October the first doses of vaccine will come into Meigs County to be given to priority groups, and then doses will continue to come in until there is enough for everyone who wants to get it in every age group.”

Meanwhile, he stressed the importance of getting the seasonal flu shot as a precaution.

Jackson is in the process of visiting all 130 health departments in the state and his stop here included a visit with Larry Marshall, Meigs County Health Department commissioner, and his staff, and with personnel at the Family Healthcare Center in Middleport.

He said his visits are to “listen to the people who are his partners in public health” and to tell them their hard work is appreciated. He expressed special thanks to Marshall for his leadership in public health in Meigs County and commented on the value to life expectancy which health agencies offer through their wide range of programs.

The importance of putting a focus on prevention was emphasized by Jackson who commented on the high rate of obesity along with the unintended poisoning deaths in Appalachia. He called narcotic prescription drugs as a “silent epidemic” in this region.

But there is good news, Jackson concluded. Ohio is third in the country with immunization protection.