Dear Parents and Staff,
Winter will be here soon, and so will influenza (the "flu"). Influenza is an infection of the nose, throat and lungs that spreads easily from person to person. Most people with influenza are sick for a few days, and then get better. But some people, including infants, young children and people with certain health problems, such as asthma, can get very sick. This year we may see two types of influenza - the regular seasonal influenza and the newer H1N1 influenza. (also called "swine flu").
Influenza vaccination is the best way to protect children and others from influenza.Vaccination is recommended for all children 6 months to 19 years old. To protect against the two types of influenza, there are two different vaccines - the regular seasonal vaccine and the new H1N1 vaccine.
The New York City Health Department encourages all parents to have their children vaccinated by their regular medical providers.
This year the Health Department is also working with schools to offer the H1N1 vaccine at no cost to parents of middle-school and high-school students through weekend vaccination centers, also known as Points of Dispensing (PODs), starting in early November. Attached is the schedule of dates and locations for these PODs. You can find updates on locations and dates by visiting nyc.gov/flu or calling 311. It is a good idea to confirm the schedule for a POD site in advance.
The H1N1 vaccine comes in two forms: a shot and a nasal spray. Children may receive one form or the other, depending on their health status and the availability of vaccine. The answers parents provide to the screening questions on the
attached Screening form will determine which form of vaccine their child receives. After a child is vaccinated, parents should give a copy of the document to the child's medical provider.
We have included a Consent form, a Vaccine Information Statement, and a form about medical privacy rights. These forms are available in English and other languages at nyc.gov/flu and will be available at the PODs. If parents want their child(ren) to receive the H1N1 vaccine, they should come to one of the weekend PODs at a time on the attached schedule. If a child under 18 attends the POD without a parent or guardian, the child must bring a Consent/Screening form, completed and signed by a parent or guardian.
A parent or guardian must accompany any child under the age of 16. Parents, please call
311 if you have any questions.
