| Student Flu Vaccinations Off to a Strong Start in Public Schools
- October 19, 2011
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The East Baton Rouge Parish School System and Health Centers in Schools are partnering once again to provide free influenza vaccinations to all students now through mid-November. Last week, medical personnel began finishing up immunizations to elementary school students who have permission slips. At LaSalle Elementary School last Thursday, October 13, for example, registered nurse Shirley Fontenot (left, sitting) administered the immunization in a spray form to students while training coordinator and registered nurse Susan Fagan (right) directed students.
More than 43,000 students received parental permission packets for the free vaccinations, and the majority of those with signed forms will receive the nasal spray FluMist. If a child has asthma or health issues, he or she may receive the injection instead. Middle and high school student immunizations now begin, but it is necessary for them to return completed permission forms signed by parents or guardians in order to receive free immunizations.
The vaccination, which covers both seasonal and swine flu, helps prevent the spread of influenza among students, teachers and the community. School-based vaccination clinics are held at campuses and began at elementary schools earlier this month.
According to a recent survey by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, 43 percent of Americans say they will not be getting a flu vaccine this fall, and one-third of American mothers say that they have no plans to vaccinate their children. However, children between 2 and 17 years of age are twice as likely to get the flu as most adults are – including the elderly. Children also are a main source for spreading the flu. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), getting an annual flu vaccine is the best defense against the influenza virus.
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