Flu vaccine clinic planned in Canton
Published: October 13, 2009
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Review Photo/ERIC HRIN Brandy Heatley, Canton Elementary School nurse, shows the seasonal influenza vaccines that will be administered in an upcoming flu vaccine clinic in the district.
CANTON - The flu vaccine clinic held last year in the Canton Area School District was a tremendous success, according to district officials, and it looks like this year's clinic won't be any different.
In a news release, the district announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Division of Immunization, is offering free seasonal influenza vaccinations to students in grades K-12 for the 2009-10 school year.
The cost of the vaccine is being underwritten by a grant received by the state of Pennsylvania, and the school district will participate in this program, which is designed to help prevent school-aged children from getting the seasonal flu this year.
The clinic will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24 in the Canton Elementary School nurse's office. The response was positive, and all of the 300 vaccines the district received will be administered.
At the school board meeting last week, district superintendent Matt Gordon spoke about the matter. He noted the vaccines were shipped to the district under refrigeration. "Everyone one of those vaccines are spoken for," he told the board.
On Monday, Oct. 12, a letter was sent with students who handed in vaccination consent paperwork. The child's name and time were indicated in the letter.
In addition, the school district has also registered to participate in an H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccination clinic. No date has been scheduled until the district receives confirmation for the delivery of the vaccine. Paperwork for this clinic will be sent home with students, as well as posted on the school Web site.
At the meeting, Gordon noted that the district has applied for the swine flu injection inoculation under the advisement of the district physician.
The district is offering this health advice:
"Please remember to keep children home until they are free of fever for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Teach your children how to wash their hands thoroughly before and after meals, after using the toilet, as well as after a cough. In addition, teach children to cough into their elbow instead of their hands."
For more information on staying healthy, check out these Web sites: www.cdc.gov, www.flu.gov or www.H1N1inPA.com.
Eric Hrin can be reached at (570) 297-5251; e-mail: reviewtroy@thedailyreview.com.
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