FLU FREE SCHOOLS WANTS YOU TO BE AWARE OF YOUR FLU VACCINE OPTIONS THIS FALL.

·        The CDC recommends that all school children receive their seasonal flu vaccine as soon as possible, and the 2009 H1N1 vaccine as soon as it becomes available.

·        Both of these vaccines will be available in two forms: nasal spray (FluMist) and injection (flu shot). (Only the seasonal flu vaccine is currently offered in schools.)

·        Health departments in Public Health District 4 have a limited supply of 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine, that is currently only being offered to healthy children 2-4 years of age. (2009 H1N1 vaccine is not currently available for school aged children.)

·        The 2009 H1N1 flu shot will be available soon.

·        It is safe and effective to receive both the 2009 H1N1 flu shot and the seasonal flu shot at the same time.

·        It is safe and effective to receive either of the vaccines as a nasal spray (FluMist) and the other as a flu shot, even at the same time.

·        It is safe, but possibly not as effective, to receive the nasal spray of both vaccines at the same time. Please note: The CDC recommends separating the seasonal nasal spray vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine by a minimum of four weeks.

For more information:

            www.district4health.orgor call 888-899-9788

            www.cdc.gov/flu