Questions and Answers regarding H1N1

Should my child be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 if they have had a flu-like illness since the spring of 2009?

The symptoms of influenza (or flu-like illnesses) are similar to those cause by many other viruses.  Even when the influenza viruses are causing large numbers of people to get sick, other viruses are also causing illnesses.  Specific testing called “RT-PCR test” is needed in order to tell if an illness is caused by a specific influenza strain or by some other virus.  This test is different from the rapid flu tests that doctors can do in their offices.  Since most people with flu-like illnesses will not be tested with RT-PCR this season, the majority will not know whether they have been infected with the 2009 H1N1 flu or a different virus.  Therefore, if you were ill but do not know if you had 2009 H1N1 infection, you should get vaccinated.  Most people recommended for the 2009 H1N1 vaccination should be vaccinated regardless of whether they have had a flu-like illness earlier in the year.  If you have and 2009 H1N1 flu, as confirmed by an RT-PCR test, you should have some immunity against the 2009 H1N1 flu and can choose not to the the vaccine  However, vaccination of a person with some existing immunity to the 2009 H1N1 virus will not be harmful.

Are Parents able to attend the clinic to be with their child?

Parents are welcome to attend the clinic, but we cannot guarantee a time that the child will go through the clinic.  Parents will need to wait until it is their child’s turn.  If a parent is not at the clinic when it is time for the child to go through, we will not wait for the parent.  If a child is upset and refuses the vaccine, the child will not receive the vaccination and a note will be sent home.  Parent will need to make other arrangements for the vaccination.  The tentative schedule of classes is as follows, but is subject to last minute changes, MS, OES and Pre-K, HS. Parents of the Morning Pre-K students will need to make arrangements to return at 12:30 with their child or take their child the health department.

Will 2 doses be required?

The CDC recommends 2 doses of 2009 H1N1 vaccine for children 9 years and younger.  The doses should be separated by 4 weeks.  Children ages 10 and older need one dose.

My child is 9 or younger, will they be able to get a 2nd dose at school?

Our first priority will be to provide vaccinations to all PreK-High School students with parental consent on November 30th.  The Riley Co. Health Dept. is not able to determine at this time if they will be able to return to USD 384 to provide the 2nd dose, due to vaccine and staff availability.   Parents can take their child to the Riley Co. Health Dept. or check with their own physicians.   

Which type of vaccine will my child receive, the shot or the nasal spray?

That will depend on the answers to question in Section B of the consent form and the supply of vaccine available at the time of the clinic.  If a student qualifies to receive the mist and there is a limited supply of shots, the student may receive the mist instead of the shot.  If you have a concern over which form your child receives, contact the health department.

What if my child isn’t feeling well the morning of the clinic?

Our school nurse will be on hand the day of the clinic to check on students before they are vaccinated.  If a student appears to have a fever, the school nurse or a nurse from the health department will take their temperature.  If the student does have a fever, the student will not receive the vaccination and parents will be called to come and get their child.

How will I know if my child received the vaccine at school?

Each student that received the vaccine at school will be given a card with the vaccine information and date of vaccination.  Parents can keep that information with the child’s other vaccination records.