10-5-09

Dear Parents/Guardians:

A new influenza virus called the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus,(formerly named swine flu) was first identified in the United States in late April 2009. The virus has caused illness ranging from mild to severe, including hospitalizations and deaths in adults and children. The Centers for Disease Control and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is available. Other groups recommended to get the first doses of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine are:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services workers
• People ages 25 through 64 years who have certain health conditions that may cause their immune system to be suppressed (diabetes, heart or lung disease, etc)

Vaccination is the best way known to protect your child from this potentially serious disease. The Decatur County Health Department is working with Decatur County Community Schools to give the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to students in our school corporation. We will be holding vaccine clinics in each school when the vaccine is available from the Board of Health (estimated to be here in 3 weeks). When the vaccine becomes available, we will then make you aware of the dates for the clinics. Our plan is to vaccinate the jr. high and high school students during school hours. We will vaccinate the elementary school students outside of school hours so that parents are present when the vaccine is administered.

There will be two forms of the vaccine available. The 2009 H1N1 Vaccine will be available as an intranasal vaccine and as an Injection. You will not be able to choose which type. The type of vaccine will be administered according to the CDC Guidelines and your student’s health history. The intranasal vaccine can not be given to students with chronic health issues, unless a doctor’s note is provided.

Attached to this information letter is consent to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine plus a more detailed information sheet regarding the vaccine. Please return the consent by Wed Oct.7, 2009, to your school nurse. There is a section to complete even if you don’t want your child to receive the vaccine for our records. This vaccine is being offered at no cost.

If you have any questions about the vaccine or the vaccination clinics please call your child’s school. You may also visit the CDC’s website at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu and also http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents for more information. Your healthcare provider may also answer questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and vaccine.

Sincerely,
Dr. Daniel L. Roach, Superintendent

Click here for the consent form to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine

What you neet to know: Live, Attenuated (Nasal Spray)

What you neet to know: Inactivated (Shot)