Join our growing team.

ERIE COUNTY, NY - The holidays are a time for family, friends and festive gatherings. But they can also be a time for potential poisoning incidents involving medication, especially in children. That is why the Erie County Department of Health (ECDOH) and the Department of Social Services are reminding parents and caregivers to make medication safety a priority during this holiday season.

Here are some safety tips to keep your family safe this upcoming holiday season:

• All prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins and supplements should be stored securely, out of reach of children and pets. This includes pills, drops, liquids, creams and medications administered by injection.
• Dispose of unused or expired medications at community kiosks – there are dozens in Erie County; see thepointny.org.
• Anyone who has recently started taking a new drug should inform their family members about potential side effects if needed.
• Do not share prescription medications with others. Take prescription medications only under the guidance of a doctor or health care provider.
• Add the Poison Control number to your phone: 1-800-222-1222. Trained specialists answer these calls 24/7.

Erie County Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein and Commissioner of Senior Services Angela Marinucci are reinforcing these precautions for the holiday season.

“The widespread use of masks as an infection prevention tool reduced RSV and flu levels during the past two winter seasons,” said Commissioner of Health Dr. Gale Burstein. “Without those preventive measures, these illnesses are back, and disproportionately affecting our community’s youngest residents. These are common viruses, but they can be uncommonly severe for infants and young children. It’s incumbent on each of us to take steps to maintain our own health and protect vulnerable people in our community.”

ECDOH and OCH are echoing the messages shared by the New York State Department of Health on protecting against the “triple threat” of respiratory illnesses this winter season: RSV, flu and COVID-19.

• Stay up to date with flu vaccines and COVID-19 vaccines.
• Stay home from school, work, daycare and other activities if you are sick. 
• Wear a mask that covers your nose and mouth if you have symptoms of respiratory illness – coughing, stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat. 
• Masking indoors and social distancing may be important for those who live with higher risk individuals: infants, older adults, pregnant people, and people born pre-term or those with underlying health conditions. 
• Wash your hands often with soap and hot water for least 20 seconds to protect yourself from germs and avoid spreading them to others. 
• Do not cough or sneeze into your hands. Instead, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue. Teach and remind children to do this, too.
• Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol to use when soap and water are not available.