Flu Vaccine Shortage

By now, most everyone is aware of the shortage of this year’s flu vaccine.
Only those people considered in high risk categories will be eligible to
receive the vaccine.  These categories include babies and toddlers, 6
months - 23months, adults 65 and older, people with chronic medical
conditions, pregnant woman, residents of nursing homes and long-term care
facilities, health care workers, children 6 months – 18 years old on
chronic aspirin therapy, and out-of-home caregivers and household contacts
of children aged less than 6 months.  Check with your health care provider
if you have any questions.

You can stay healthy during flu season without getting a flu shot by
following the guidelines listed below.  These guidelines come from Ann
Waltz, RN, the Immunization Specialist for the Leon County Health
Department:

* Frequently wash your hands
* Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue if you have a cold, then through
it away and wash your hands
* Don’t go to work or school if you are sick
* Avoid contact with the ill if you are in a high risk group
* Exercise, get 8 hours of sleep per night, stay hydrated, and don’t smoke

In an attempt to decrease the spread of flu and other communicable diseases
in the school setting, Health Services is asking all parents to adhere to
the following guidelines:

* If your child complains of flu-like symptoms, such as body aches,
headache, chronic cough, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever, please keep your
child out of school.  If your child does not feel well, he/she is not able
to learn, and other children may become sick.
* Children must be fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours, and not taking
anti-fever medicines such as Tylenol or Advil.
* Please update emergency contact numbers at your child’s school if you
have moved or changed phone numbers.  It is very important to reach a
responsible adult in the event of an accident or illness.
* Do not send your child to school with medication.  Parents must bring any
medication to school and complete a Medication Permission Form.  This
includes medicines such as cough drops and throat lozenges.

Thank you for your cooperation.  With your help, we can keep our children
healthy and able to learn.