H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu)

H1N1 Influenza (Swine flu) Updates

Posted 11/12/09 - Although the national vaccine is supply is still limited, both King and Snohomish counties continue to receive and distribute vaccine.  Most doses are going to private health care providers and hospitals.  Both King and Snohomish counties are providing a small weekly supply of vaccine to local pharmacies starting Nov. 6th. A current list of health care providers and pharmacies who have vaccine are available for King County and Snohomish County . Pharmacies will hold a special clinic or take appointments by phone.  Some locations are only vaccinating certain age groups.  There is administration fee that may be covered by some insurance plans.  The focus remains to vaccinate those identified as more at risk for flu complications.  Check these websites frequently as information and availability continues to change. Families with children at risk for flu complications, who have a regular medical provider, should contact that provider about vaccine availability.  Information is available from the Washington State Department of Health on H1N1 flu illness in children with chronic conditions and special health care needs.  (A download of that document can be found below under "Additional Resources.")   A special hotline is available in King County to assist with questions or concerns in multiple languages. 1-877-903-5464. 

King County Pharmacies Offering H1N1 Vaccine for At-Risk People (from King County Public Health)


Posted 10/22/09 - Like other districts, we are experiencing more flu-related absences in our schools.  It would not be unusual to see absence rates in a classroom or school of 10 to 20%. We continue to remind students about prevention strategies and appreciate your help with keeping ill children at home until they are fever free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication). Our district is in communication with the public health departments to monitor absence rates and symptoms.  For most people the flu remains a mild/moderate illness and resolves in 3-5 days. 

Both King and Snohomish counties have received small allotments of H1N1 vaccine.  Most doses are going to private health care providers and hospitals.  The public health centers have a small supply that is available for people ages 6 months to 25years who are not insured or low-income AND have health conditions that put them at a higher risk for flu complications.  A list of those centers is available for King County and Snohomish County.  Please note: King County public health clinics for H1N1 immunization are suspended temporarily due to a shortage of H1N1 vaccine.  Families with children at risk for flu complications, who have a regular medical provider, should get information from that provider about vaccine availability.  The school district may host a health department vaccine clinic in November when the supply is sufficient to vaccinate all people.  Please remember to check the district website or King County Public Health website for updates and new information.  


Posted 10/13/09 - Like other school districts in our area, we are experiencing flu-like illness in our schools. We continue to work with the local health departments to monitor student absence rates and symptoms using district attendance data, parent report of flu symptoms and evaluation of students seen by the school nurse. At this time, prevention strategies remain the same:

• Wash hands frequently
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Daily cleaning of frequently touched surfaces 
• Stay home when sick and do not return to school or work until fever-free for 24 hours (without using fever-reducing medication)
• Consider getting flu shots (seasonal and H1N1)

H1N1 is the predominant circulating flu illness. The CDC and local health departments continue to advise that testing for H1N1 is not medically necessary unless a person is severely ill or hospitalized.  Individual test results are not routinely reported to schools. 

Absenteeism has increased and it is possible to see an individual classroom or school with higher rates of illness (10-20% or more). We continue to reinforce the illness prevention strategies at all schools to reduce the risk of illness transmission.   Thank you for your cooperation in keeping students home when they are sick.  Most students are able to return to school after 3-5 days of illness. Doctor notes are not required to return to school. 

We continue to monitor the situation within our schools and across our community.  Regular communications channels will be used for any future updates or significant changes. 

King County Public Health is planning several H1N1vaccinations clinics around the county.  Northshore School District may be offering a school location as a site. Check the district website regularly for information at www.nsd.org. 

H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) Information

The health department reports that H1N1 Influenza (swine flu) is still present in our communities. Without proper precautions, the flu can spread easily from person to person. With school back in session the district is working to minimize the spread of flu. We need your help.