|
![]()
Thursday, September 2, 2010
| Serving Albertville and the Sand Mountain region |
|
|
|
|
Marketplace
|
|
Sections
|
|
Customer Service
|
|
 |
|
Fighting swine flu
Published December 5, 2009
Students in Marshall County area schools will be vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus by the end of next week.
Cathy Hughes, clinic supervisor of the Marshall County Health Department, said clinics doling out the first of two H1N1, or swine flu, vaccinations have been ongoing at Marshall County School System schools, Albertville Primary and Big Spring Lake Kindergarten schools this week. Clinics are slated at Guntersville schools Monday and Boaz City Schools Tuesday.
“We are giving the nasal mist vaccines only to children ages 9 and under,” Hughes said. “Younger children respond better to the mist than to a traditional shot.”
Hughes and health department officials will schedule a second round of clinics in January to give students the second needed dose in January.
“Due to their age and size, children need the second dose,” Hughes said. “It is our plan and our intention to give a second vaccination in January at all schools.”
The vaccination clinics are open to children aged 9 and under. Parents or legal guardians must fill out a consent form supplied by the schools and return them to the school prior to the vaccination clinic. Depending on the school, parents may be required to be with their children to receive the vaccine.
At Albertville Primary and Elementary schools, city Fire and Rescue workers were on scene in the event any child had an adverse reaction to the vaccines.
The Alabama Department of Public Health recommends vaccinations for pregnant women, children and young adults aged 6 months to 24 years old, adults 25 to 64 with medical conditions including asthma and diabetes, for those who come in close contact with children younger than 6 months of age and health care or emergency medical services providers.
Children with severe or life-threatening allergies to eggs or other substances in the vaccines should not receive the vaccines. Those with weakened immune systems, long-term health problems such as heart, liver or lung disease, muscle or nerve disorders or those on long-term aspirin therapy are also advised not to take the vaccine.
Cindy Starkey, lead nurse for the Albertville City School System, said most children won’t have any side effects from the vaccine.
“We are asking our parents to be there with their children for the safety and comfort aspects,” Starkey said. “We think children respond better when their parents are around and they are always a little apprehensive when it is vaccination time. This way, their parents are there in case something happens or are there if the child needs some extra comforting.”
Starkey estimated between 1,500 and 2,500 students at Big Spring Lake Kindergarten, Albertville Primary and Albertville Elementary schools are eligible to receive the vaccines.
“That’s not to say every one of them will choose to be vaccinated,” Starkey said. “It’s going to go quickly, especially since it is the nasal spray vaccine the students will receive.”
Starkey said six nurses from the Health Department will be on hand administering the vaccines at the Primary and Elementary schools and at BSLK.
Dr. Joseph Morton, Alabama Superintendent of Education, urges parents to study the informational packets sent home regarding the flu and vaccination clinics.
“If you would like your child to receive the nasal spray vaccine, please read the information in your registration packets and sign and return the consent for to your child’s school by the deadline,” Morton said.
Logging onto the ADPH Web site gives patients and parents H1N1 vaccination sites and links to flu.gov, a Web site dedicated to answering all types of questions relative to the flu.
Adults and children over the age of 9 may attend injected flu shot clinics at the Health Department in Guntersville. Call the Health Department at 582-3174 prior to leaving home to make sure they still have vaccine available, Hughes advised. Shots will be given on a first-come, first-served basis as long as the supply lasts.
The Flu.gov Web site recommends the following everyday steps to protect yourself from the flu.
• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and throw the tissue in the garbage when done.
• Wash hands often with soap and warm water or use alcohol-based hand cleaners.
• Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth as this is how germs are spread.
• Stay home for at least 24 hours after you no longer have a fever or signs of a fever without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
• Follow public health advice regarding school closures and avoid crowds when possible.
Symptoms of the H1N1 virus include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some with the virus have also reported runny noses, sore throats, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Share |
Save |
Mail |
Print |
Letter
|
|
|
|
|
Follow the Reporter on Twitter:
SMR News and
SMR Sports
|
|
|
|
|
