Information on 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine

Dear Parents/Guardians:

As you may have heard, a new virus, called the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, has caused illness in many children, and there have been large outbreaks in some schools across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years be vaccinated.

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from this potentially serious disease. Kitsap County Health District is working with Washington Youth Academy to supply the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to children at our school. We will anticipate vaccination clinics to start in late October to early November. When WYA receives vaccine from KCHD, we will coordinate clinic dates. Children >9 years are expected to only need one dose of vaccine.  There will be no cost to you for this vaccine.

The vaccine consent form MUST be returned for student’s files even if you refuse vaccination. This consent is strictly for Kitsap County Health District as the “provider” and it will not affect agreements with your private provider. Follow below instructions on ‘Accept’ or ‘Refuse’:

H1N1 Consent Form

To Accept (Consent):

1.    Read the “What you need to know”    (In Spanish).
2.    Sign and date the attached consent form.
3.    Return form to the school ASAP.

If you accept, the vaccine will be given to your child when it is on hand. Giving consent early will ensure that your child is ready to receive the vaccine as soon as it is on hand.

If you change your mind about having your child vaccinated, you can send a signed note/letter to the school nurse stating your withdraw of consent and request destruction of the consent form.

To Refuse (Do Not Consent):

1.    Complete the top portion of the consent form (child’s information) sign and date it and write REFUSED at top of form. 
2.    Return form for our records.

This virus is spreading from person-to-person, probably in much the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses spread. Follow these tips for prevention, treatment, and recovery.
 

•    Wash your hands, often and well, with soap and warm water for 15 to 20 seconds.
•    Use alcohol-based hand sanitizer gel or wipes when there is no water.
•    Cover your coughs and sneezes, then throw the tissue away and wash or sanitize your hands.
•    Alternately, cough into your elbow or shoulder. This keeps the viruses off your hands.
•    Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
•    Eat well, stay hydrated, rest, exercise and follow good-health guidelines.

 
TREATMENT

•    Know the flu symptoms – fever, headache, chills, body aches, fatigue, dry cough, sore throat, stuffy nose, occasionally nausea or diarrhea
•    If you have these symptoms, stay home, rest and drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids. Don’t smoke.
•    Over-the-counter medicines such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen may reduce aches and fever. Decongestants, cough medicines and a humidifier may also help.
•    Call your doctor.

RECOVERY

•    When you have been off fever-reducing medicine such as aspirin and fever-free for 24 hours, you may go back to your normal activities.

Flu Fact: H1N1 Flu Vaccination is VOLUNTARY

There is currently a petition circulating on a few internet sites protesting the federal government’s “mandatory” H1N1 vaccination program. Here’s a flu fact for you: the federal vaccination program for H1N1 flu is VOLUNTARY, just like the seasonal flu vaccination program. Top federal health officials highly recommend that people get vaccinated, and they stress that the vaccine is the best defense against the 2009 H1N1 flu. People with underlying health conditions like asthma or diabetes, health care workers, pregnant women, caregivers for infants under six months of age, and children and young adults from six months to 24 years of age are especially encouraged to participate in this vaccination program. The vaccine will be available to anyone who wants it, and the decision to get vaccinated is up to each individual.

Note: In a few local jurisdictions, vaccination is being required for health care workers. That is a local decision, not a federal one.
http://www.flu.gov/news/blogs/vaccinevoluntary.html

Please visit the CDC’s web site at
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/vaccination/vaccine_safety_qa.htm  

 Parents for more information, your child’s health care provider can also answer your questions about the H1N1 virus and will also be able to give your child the seasonal influenza vaccine (if declined at school) and may be able to give your child the 2009 H1N1 vaccine if you prefer.

Thank you 

Tamie Routley RN
Clinical Nurse Supervisor
Washington Youth Academy
Office:  (360) 473-2634
Cell:  (360) 239-7089
Fax:  (360) 473-2623
Email:  tamie.routley@mil.wa.gov