Seasonal Flu Vaccine Information

September 14, 2009

Dear Middle and High School Parents:

The Health and Human Services Department is pleased to offer seasonal influenza vaccine to middle and high school students. Both the intranasal flu vaccine (FluMist®) and the flu shot will be available to students during the school day in October. A fee will be charged for the vaccine.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that all children aged 6 months through 18 years receive a seasonal flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is one of the best ways to avoid getting the flu.

A parental consent form and pre-payment of $25 for the flu shot and $35 for FluMist® will be required to participate. Students will be vaccinated between October 13 and 23 by nurses from Maxim Health Systems with support from the school nurses. The specific date your child will receive the vaccine will be announced via email and on the City of Newton website at www.newtonma.gov/flu

The seasonal flu shot, given in the arm muscle, and FluMist®, given by nasal spray, both protect people from the same types of flu. Vaccine information statements about each type of flu vaccine and corresponding consent forms are included with this message. Children with asthma, diabetes or other chronic illness cannot receive the intranasal vaccine, but they can receive the flu shot.

For your child to receive seasonal flu vaccine at school, please return the following to the school nurse by September 30.

1. The completed and signed consent form specific to the vaccine you want your child to have
2. A check for $25 (flu shot) or $35 (FluMist®) made out to Maxim Health Systems

If you would like your child to receive the flu vaccine, but cannot afford the fee, please contact your school nurse.

The seasonal flu vaccine does not provide protection against H1N1 (swine) flu. Information about getting the H1N1 vaccine at school will be provided in October. For more information about influenza, speak to your school nurse or go to: www.newtonma.gov/flu

We hope you take advantage of this important prevention program.

Sincerely,
J. David Naparstek, Commissioner Ruth Hoshino, School Nurse Supervisor
Newton Health & Human Services Department Newton Health & Human Services Department
Attached the following documents:

Flu shot Consent Form

Flu shot Vaccine Information Sheet

Flumist Vaccine Information Sheet

Flumist Consent Form

Parents can also go to the Newton flu website and find the documents at www.newtonma.gov/flu
or stop by the Health Room at their school to pick up the printed forms.

• Janetsville's blog