Today, January 19, four school sites kicked off the start of a month-long schedule to vaccinate students and staff against H1N1 (Swine Flu) in the East Baton Rouge Parish School System.  Students with parental permission at Banks, Winbourne and Audubon elementary schools and Children’s Charter Schools were the first in the School System to get the mist vaccine.  Students at other sites will follow as the schedule progresses through February.

At Audubon Elementary School, students like fifth grader Adaisha Parker (pictured at right) received the nasal mist vaccination from Health Centers in Schools (HCS) nurse Megan Mayers.  Just as they did with the seasonal flu, HCS is once again teaming up with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System in providing free vaccinations for students.  In a proactive move designed to keep our schools safe and healthy for learning, parental permission packets have been sent home with students this week for the free H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine.

This inhalant vaccination is for the average, healthy child.  Some children will get one vaccination dose and some two doses, depending on their age.  Based on answers provided on the returned consent form, children with asthma, chronic disease or immune deficiencies will be given an injection rather than receive the mist vaccine.

All students with permission will receive the vaccination in a school under the advisement of Health Centers in Schools’ registered nurses and trained medical personnel.  Every question in the packet must be answered completely and the consent form signed by a parent or guardian for a child to receive the free vaccination.  Parents and guardians should return the consent form to the school as soon as possible.

In addition, school district employees, including teachers, administrators, school bus drivers, nutrition workers and other support staff, now will be able to receive the vaccination for a fee of just $5.  For more information, contact HCS’s CEO, Sue Catchings, at (225) 721-1748 or s.catchings@brhccs.org.