H1N1 Vaccine Becomes Available

A note came home from school Tuesday (October 13, 2009) that said the elementary school that my little girl attends will be giving the H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine at school, free of charge beginning several weeks from now. It was both a surprise and a relief for us because we feel it gives her and our community an added level of protection. Here are some of the criteria that have been set in our district.

1. Parents must complete and sign a form about the child’s medical history including allergies (particularly to eggs), existing condition such as asthma, and note any adverse reaction to medications including the flu shot in previous years.

The answers that you give to these questions will help health personnel determine whether your child is an acceptable candidate for the vaccine, and if so, whether the injection (inactive virus) or mist (weakened live virus) is better.

2. It is mandatory that a parent or guardian accompany their child when the shot is given if they are in second grade or lower.

3. This is not something the school requires in order to be able to attend. Whether to inoculate your child or not is a decision that is left completely to your family.

4. Children who are 9 years and younger will need a second dose to be given not sooner than 4 weeks later for maximum effectiveness. The school will also provide that dose.

5. If any student is upset and refuses to take it, neither the injection nor mist will be given.

6. Emergency Medical Technicians will be on site to immediately handle any adverse reactions any child might experience.

7. These inoculations are being offered to students from preschool through the high school level at every school in our district. Bravo to our county officials.

After attending a meeting at the school today, I immediately called our pediatrician’s office to see if they were able to vaccinate. They had not received the vaccine, and did not know when it would be available in their office. But they said they did not have a problem with my daughter receiving the vaccine at her school.

Check with your child’s school, and local health department to see if this is something that is planned for your community as well.

However, one of the best ways to keep cold and flu from spreading is still by washing hands frequently. And since the virus is also airborne, removing airborne bacteria and viruses is another way to continually increase your child’s chances of staying health.

PurerAir.com offers an air purifier that can be your family’s partner in good health, not only during this H1N1 season, but from now on. See it now at http://purerair.com/healthmate_hm400.html

Take good care,
Debbie Davis, President
PurerAir.com
(800) 997-2989