Current Status
Along with other schools in our county, we have increased absenteeism for flu illness. Several elementary schools experienced greater than 10% absent (range of 10-15%) last week as well as a couple of Junior High Schools.
So far, 17% absence is the highest noted for one school on one specific day. County wide, the number of cases is still on the upswing and there are no projections for how long this will last. It is possible H1N1 will continue, even at low levels, throughout the next several months. The hope is that many will choose to be immunized. We remain in close contact with the health departments and the strategies remain the same at this time.
Vaccines have been slow to arrive in our county, with only about 10% of the orders being filled. Providers, both public and private are using those doses for the at risk target groups. Our district may host a public health vaccination clinic when the supply increases and doses can be offered to anyone.
Hand Gel/Sanitizer should be arriving in schools in the next 2 weeks for use in portables without sinks, gyms and cafeterias. Gel sanitizer is in high demand. Remember that hand washing is still the best option. School nurses continue to work with students and classrooms reinforcing this message. Emphasis on covering coughs and sneezes should be a priority.
If you are absent due to flu, have your parent call the Attendance
Secretary at 425-408-7410 to indicate your absence is the result of
"flu like symptoms". You and/or your parents should contact the
teacher for make up assignments. It is the responsibility of the
student to complete all makeup assignments.
Vaccination Clinics:
H1N1 flu vaccination clinics are being held this Saturday, October 31, 2009. All clinics will be open 9:00 am to 3:00.
H1N1 vaccine will be available only to:
All pregnant women (Note: Thimerosal-free vaccine will not be available at the clinics. Vaccine that is thimerosal-free will be available from a pregnant patient's obstetrician or family practitioner.)
All persons ages 6 months through 24 years
Household and caregiver contacts of children younger than 6 months (e.g. parents, siblings and daycare providers)
Persons ages 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or lung disease
Teachers and professional child care providers
Health care workers and emergency workers
Please check www.snocoflu.com for updates, wait times, downloadable consent forms, and information in several languages. Additional vaccine is expected to arrive weekly in the following months, and will be offered to the general public through health care providers, including pharmacies.
