Influenza (flu) season is approaching soon. Children are four times more likely to get influenza than adults. The flu vaccine is effective in preventing the spread of influenza. The school district and the Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) are bringing a flu clinic to your child’s school on Monday October 17 from 3:15 – 5:45 p.m. This clinic is open to all children and adults. Parent/guardian must accompany children to the clinic.
The flu vaccine will be available as a shot and as the “Flu-Mist”. It is a combination vaccine for both seasonal influenza and H1N1. The flu shot is approved for people of all ages. The Flu-Mist is given as a nasal spray and is a weakened form of the influenza virus. It is approved for ages 2-49 years. For full effect, children under 9 years of age who are receiving a flu vaccine for the first time should receive a second dose 4-6 weeks after the first dose.
Most health insurance plans will be accepted, including Wellmark, First Administrators and Medicare Part B. Or you can pay with cash or check:
Flu shot - $24 Flu-mist - $30 Pneumonia - $67
The flu vaccine is free to children who have no health insurance, are on Medicaid, or have health insurance that doesn’t cover vaccines.
People with the following conditions should not receive any flu vaccine:
· Allergy to any part of the vaccine, including eggs
· Children and adolescents receiving aspirin therapy
· People with an active neurological disorder or history of Guillain-Barre syndrome
· Have had a previous severe reaction to the flu vaccine
People with the following conditions should not receive the nasal Flu-Mist(but may still be able to receive the injection):
· People with immune system problems
· Adults and children with severe asthma
If you have any questions, please contact your child’s school nurse or Susie Poulton, Director of Health and Student Services, at 688-1000.
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