Parkway Schools

Q&A for Parents Regarding H1N1 Vaccinations at School

17. How is the H1N1 virus different from the seasonal flu?

1. The H1N1 virus is similar to the seasonal flu, but it is much more contagious. It has the ability to spread rapidly through a school.

17. Why are students such a critical group for H1N1 vaccinations?

1. Unlike the seasonal flu, which affects the elderly more severely, the H1N1 virus has had a more severe effect on people in younger age groups. The highest rates of H1N1 cases and hospitalizations are among newborns to 4 year olds, followed by 5 to 24 year olds. These statistics, plus the fact that germs spread easily in areas with large numbers of children, make the vaccination of students extremely important.

17. When will the vaccine be available and how much will it cost?

1. The CDC expects that the H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in October 2009. The vaccine will be offered free of charge to Parkway students and certain high-risk employees. The St. Louis County Health Department will also provide the H1N1 vaccine at no charge to pediatrician offices, which may charge an administration fee for the vaccine’s distribution.

17. What do I have to do to get my student vaccinated at school?

1. Your school will send home a consent form that you must sign and return to the school if your child is to be vaccinated against H1N1 at school. This will give the school permission to administer the vaccine. If you do not return the signed consent form, your child will not be vaccinated at school.

17. How will the vaccine be administered?

1. The vaccine will be administered in two doses (shots) to be spaced 3-4 weeks apart. Both doses of the vaccine will be given at your child’s school by a registered nurse.

17. What about my younger children who aren’t yet in school?

1. The St. Louis County Health Department has asked school districts for assistance in vaccinating school-age children. Younger siblings or other children in your home should be vaccinated against H1N1 at your pediatrician’s office or at one of the county’s public health events.

17. Will there be enough doses of the vaccine to meet my family’s needs?

1. The St. Louis County Health Department expects to receive enough doses to cover everyone in the county. The department is working closely with school districts to make sure that the districts receive the required number of doses.

17. Should I still get my child vaccinated against the seasonal flu?

1. Yes. The H1N1 vaccine will only be effective against the H1N1 strain of flu. If you have traditionally gotten your child vaccinated against seasonal flu, you will need to do that this year as well. The seasonal flu vaccine and the H1N1 vaccine can be administered on the same day.

17. Where can I get more information about H1N1 shots at my school?

1. Contact your school’s nurse or you may also call Parkway’s manager of health services at (314) 415-5064.