Free H1N1 vaccine shots available to all students.
By Dwayne Codding
This Tuesday our school is providing access for our raiders to get vaccinated for the H1N1 virus, aka, Swine Flu. Since supply is limited, these vaccines are free and available only to students of the Sweetwater District that currently are up to the age of 24, as well as their siblings who under the age of 18, and pregnant women.
Be aware that though the odds are slim, severe allergic reactions may occur to anyone. If anyone has a personal medical history or family history of allergic reactions to flu shots, do practice caution. Doctors will not be readily available, only nurses that are administering the vaccine. These nurses may or may not be readily trained to handle these allergies, so be prepared to contact a doctor if there are any difficulties breathing, increased heart rate, or sudden weakness occurs. Again, allergies are rare, but be prepared nonetheless.
Minors under the age of 18 must fill out and submit a consent form before receiving the shot. Our school nurse has these forms available, students simply need to ask for them. Administrators will be readily available to assist minors in filling these forms out, but parent signatures must also be provided.
Calls will be sent to remind families of these vaccines. Lots of planning and preparations have been made, after all keeping students healthy is the main goal.
If there are any questions or concerns, contact the coordinator health services (619) 585-6020, or read a brochure on http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/downloads/vis-inact-h1n1.pdf
No comments:
Post a Comment