Story posted Wednesday, December 9, 2009
H1N1 Shots Planned Tomorrow
By RICHARD MAYER Assistant Managing Editor
Students at all Mt. Prospect elementary and middle schools tomorrow (Thursday) will receive one inoculation of the H1N1 (swine flu) virus.
In Mt. Prospect Elementary School Dist. 57, Supt. Dr. Elaine Aumiller said about 38% of the district's total enrollment or more than 800 children as of yesterday (Tuesday) morning have submitted consent forms from their parents. Additional forms could be turned in at the last minute, she said.
The vaccinations will occur during normal school hours and be conducted simultaneously at all four schools for children pre-K through eighth grade.
In River Trails School Dist. 26, Asst. Supt. of Special Services Dr. Miriam Cutler said as of Monday morning there were 150 middle school students and 100 students each at both elementary schools who will participate in the program.
"They could bring their permission slips that day," said Cutler.
Some staff could receive the immunization, Cutler said, if they are pregnant and under the age of 24 or between the ages of 25-65 with chronic medical conditions such as asthma.
"There have been staff requests and they will be accommodated," Cutler added.
In Elk Grove Township Elementary Dist. 59, as of yesterday (Tuesday) morning, Frost Elementary School has 128 students; John Jay, 85; Forest View, 127; and Holmes, 137 students participating.
According to Dist. 59 Executive Assistant and Public Information Coordinator Betsy Boswell, she anticipates many more students bringing in permission slips tomorrow (Thursday).
The vaccination was recently given at other Dist. 59 schools. Juliette Low in Arlington Hts. had over 200 students; Devonshire and Brentwood in Des Plaines had over 150 each; and Friendship Jr. High in Des Plaines has over 300 children participate.
Boswell said the district has not yet been given notice for a date and time for Elk Grove Village schools.
Prospect Hts. School Dist. 23 Supt. Dr. Greg Guarrine said the district will participate in the program but representatives from the Cook County Dept. of Public Health (CCDPH) will not administer the vaccination until after the first of the year.
"All four schools will be done at the same time and we are working on permission slips being sent out to parents," said Guarrine. "We are hoping to get those consent forms back before Dec. 18 (the last day of school before winter break)."
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