Story posted Friday, November 27, 2009
PH Schools To Participate In H1N1 Program
After initially declining participation, Prospect Hts. Elementary School Dist. 23 board members had a change of mind and decided to participate in the Cook County Dept. of Public Health (CCDPH) H1N1 school vaccination program.
Supt. Dr. Greg Guarrine anticipates inoculations to occur sometime in January. The vaccine is voluntary, but is being recommended to prevent widespread H1N1 flu outbreaks.
"Originally, the board didn't want to participate because we were far down the list and thought the vaccine would be available to others before it got to the district," said Supt. Dr. Greg Guarrine. "Things changed and it was determined the vaccine is not readily available."
"The last contact I had from the health department said they would get back to me after Thanksgiving," said Guarrine. "I am hoping to get some more concrete information by the first week of December.
Once an exact date is determined, the district will inform all parents. In order for each child to receive the vaccine, a written consent is required, along with a brief medical history. The form must be completely filled out and the consent signed and returned to the child's teacher before the vaccination date.
Parents are not required to be with their child at the time of the vaccination, however they may do so if so desired.
All children will receive one dose. Children nine and under are recommended to see their physician or visit a clinic to receive the second dose 28 days after the first one.
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