Free H1N1 Vaccinations for Students at Middle Schools & High Schools
FOR TUESDAY, FEB. 2, 2010
Contact: Jose Rodriguez, Columbus Public Health, (614) 645-6928, [email protected]
Kim Norris, Columbus City Schools, (614)365-5680, [email protected]
Columbus Public Health and Columbus City Schools
Offer Free H1N1 Vaccination for Students at Middle Schools and High Schools
COLUMBUS, OH – Feb. 2, 2010 - Columbus Public Health is partnering with Columbus City Schools (CCS) to provide free H1N1 vaccine for students in all of the district’s middle and high schools beginning February 10 – 18, 2010. The elementary level school-based clinics, which began January 25, 2010, will conclude February 5, 2010.
The H1N1 vaccination is voluntary and parents must provide a signed consent form for their children to be vaccinated. Nurses from Columbus Public Health will administer the vaccine.
“Our goal is to protect all central Ohio children from H1N1 because they are at high risk of serious complications,” says Columbus Public Health Commissioner Dr. Teresa Long. “We are offering school based shot clinics because they will reach and protect thousands of young children in a way that is easy and convenient for busy parents.”
While flu activity has declined in recent weeks, experts predict illnesses may pick back up again during a third wave of disease. “The clinics provide a timely opportunity for parents to vaccinate their kids so they will be protected if and when a third wave strikes in the coming months,” adds Dr. Long.
“The health of our students is a top priority. We urge parents to get their child vaccinated because it is one of the best ways to protect them from the H1N1 flu,” said Dr. Gene T. Harris, Superintendent/CEO of Columbus City Schools. “The flu virus is less likely to spread if more students are vaccinated, preventing missed school days and learning opportunities.”
CCS middle and high school parents have been sent information from their child’s school, including the clinic date, vaccine information, and the consent form which must be signed, completed and returned to the designated school official.
For frequently updated H1N1 information and resources, visit Columbus Flu Info on Facebook and Twitter or visit columbuspandemicflu.org. Columbus residents can also call 2-1-1 for information.