Public Health’s outreach coordinator for immunization Rosita Sablan Waldron said Wednesday was their first day going out to the Head Start centers.
“Parents had to sign a consent form prior to their child receiving the shot,” Waldron told Variety. “So far, we have had good parent participation. However, there are some parents who did not sign the consent form because they’d prefer getting the shot at a clinic or at [the Commonwealth Health Center] which is fine as long as their child receives vaccination.”
Influenza, also known as the “flu,” is a contagious disease, she explained.
It is caused by the influenza virus, which can be spread by coughing, sneezing or nasal secretions.
Anyone can get influenza, but rates of infection are highest among children. For most people, symptoms last only a few days. They include:
• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Headache
• Chills
• Muscle aches
• And fatigue
Should you experience any of these symptoms proceed to the closest health clinic to see a doctor right way.
By getting vaccinated you can protect yourself from influenza and may also avoid spreading influenza to others.
Studies show that influenza viruses are always changing, so annual vaccination is recommended.
Each year scientists try to match the viruses in the vaccine to those most likely to cause flu that year.
Waldron tells Variety that it is best for all people 6 months of age and older to get the flu vaccine.
Vaccination is especially important for people at higher risk of severe influenza.
Those who got the 2009 HINI (pandemic) influenza vaccine, or had pandemic flu in 2009, should still get the 2010-2011 seasonal influenza vaccine.
Waldron said after they complete the immunization of all children with the Head Start centers, they will proceed to the elementary schools, then the junior high schools and the high schools for vaccination.
After the immunization team completes the vaccination of all schools, they will proceed to day care centers.
The Department of Public Health is urging parents to cooperate and get their children vaccinated, saying it is the most effective way to prevent a pandemic.
For more information about the seasonal influenza vaccine, contact a clinic near you or the Department of Public Health immunization department at 236-8733.
