By Jean Cole
Limestone County Schools will offer swine flu vaccinations to children in kindergarten through third grade Monday, Tuesday and Nov. 30 at schools throughout the county.
Swine flu — officially called novel H1N1 influenza — has killed at least 32 people in Alabama.
“Vaccination is the best way to protect your children from this potentially serious disease,” state Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson said Wednesday. “Research indicates that it is far safer to receive the vaccination than to become ill with the disease.”
The nasal mist spray vaccine will be free and voluntary, though parents must sign a consent form for their children to receive it.
For children age 9 and under, this will be the first of two doses needed to prevent novel H1N1 influenza, commonly referred to as swine flu. The second dose should be given about four weeks later.
“Schools are sending out notices and parental consent forms,” said Limestone County Assistant Superintendent Mike Owens. “As of this minute, this is our schedule, though it is subject to change.”
Monday, Nov. 23
Owens Elementary School
West Limestone High School
Clements High School.
Tuesday, Nov. 24
Creekside Elementary School
Piney Chapel Elementary School
Tanner High School.
Monday, Nov. 30
Cedar Hill Elementary School
Johnson Elementary School
Elkmont High School
The Alabama Department of Public Health announced Wednesday it would begin offering H1N1 vaccine in Alabama schools at vaccination clinics. A few clinics will begin Monday but most will begin the week of Nov. 30.
Aside from the vaccine, the only other way to fight H1N1 is to keep it from spreading. To do that, you need to know the symptoms, which include:
• Fever of 100 degrees or higher
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body aches
• Headache
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Possible diarrhea and vomiting
If you have flu symptoms, call your doctor within the first 24-48 hours for possible treatment with antiviral medication to speed recovery. Stay home until you are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing drugs like Advil or Tylenol.
