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School Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Program
September 9, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
RE: School Seasonal Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Program
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has revised its recommendations regarding
seasonal influenza (flu) immunization for children. In light of these revisions,
the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is recommending that schools
offer seasonal influenza (flu) vaccinations to school aged children for the
2009-2010 school year.
Please be advised that this program involves seasonal flu vaccination, and
not H1N1 (swine) flu vaccination at this time.
Enclosed ( web linked ) please find the following:
• Letter from
the Commissioner of the Department of Public Health and the Commissioner of the Department of Elementary and Secondary
Education
• Parent Consent Form
• Information for
Parents about Flu in Schools
• Flu Symptoms Checklist
• Fact Sheet regarding Inactive Influenza Vaccinations
In collaboration with the Braintree Health Department, we have the ability
to offer flu vaccination to students in grades 6 through 12. We are not able
to offer the flu vaccination to elementary school aged students at this time.
We are recommending that parents of elementary school aged children contact
their primary care provider if they are interested in having their child vaccinated.
If you are interested in having your child participate in the School Seasonal
Influenza Vaccination Program, please review the enclosed vaccine information
statement carefully regarding Inactivated Influenza Vaccine and complete the
School Seasonal Influenza Vaccination Program consent form.
The consent form must be returned to your child’s
homeroom teacher by Friday, September 18, 2009. In the event the demand for
the vaccine exceeds
the supply, students will be selected by lottery.
Should you have any questions, please feel free to contact the school nurse;
Paula Dowd, R.N., School Nursing Coordinator at (781) 848-4000 x 2224; or Mary
Mulready, R.N., Public Health Nurse at (781) 794-8094.
Sincerely,
Peter A. Kurzberg
Superintendent of Schools·
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