| General Influenza Q&A | H1N1 Pandemic ("Swine") Flu Vaccine |
| What is influenza-like-illness? See this checklist! Stay home if you're sick with flu-like illness...for a FULL 24 hours after you're fever-free. Are you using fever-reducing medicines? You don't count as fever-free! See this site for current CDC recommendations if you are ill. Practice good hygiene - cover your cough! Practice good hygiene - wash hands frequently and thoroughly! See this site for other up-to-date info. I've heard there was a student who had the flu - what happens now? We will keep promoting good hygiene, staying home when sick, and providing vaccination information and opportunities. The schools and district will continue to monitor absence rates and CDC recommendations to slow the spread of flu. Will I be told if another student in my child's class or grade went home with the flu? CDC recommendations do not include this. The schools and district will continue to monitor absence rates and CDC recommendations to slow the spread of flu. What if things change? The RSU #34 Pandemic Influenza plan includes a lot of options in the major areas of Surveillance, Mitigation, Vaccination, and Communication. This site will be used to help separate facts from rumors, and to provide updates as things develop. Where can I get more information? Information will be posted here when/if conditions change. For general, up-to-date information about both seasonal and H1N1 influenza, visit flu.gov and maineflu.gov | RSU
#34 held two H1N1 vaccination clinics for students in November, and
guided students to a third public clinic. We held a final clinic
in December aimed at providing students aged 9 and younger with the
CDC-recommended follow-up dose. Frequently Asked Questions Will my child be given a vaccination without my permission? No. Influenza vaccinations are optional, and none will be given without written permission. Who administers the vaccine at the clinic? Only people who are properly trained and licensed to do so in Maine. What are the differences between the forms of the vaccine? The injectable is an inactivated (killed) virus, and is given by injection into the muscle (usually of the upper arm). The nasal mist is an attenuated (weakened) virus, given through a puff of mist into the nose. Click here for the VIS (Vaccine Information Sheet) for injectable H1N1 vaccine. Click here for the VIS (Vaccine Information Sheet) for nasal mist H1N1 Vaccine. Where can I get more information? Information about the vaccination clinics will be posted here as more details come available. For general, up-to-date information about influenza, visit flu.gov and maineflu.gov What about thimerosal? The Institute of Medicine (2003) found no proof that use of the preservative thimerosal was related to autism, speech-language delay, or ADHD. According to the Institute: "Most vaccines no longer contain thimerosal. If vaccines with thimerosal are the only option, it is better to get vaccinated than not." The Food & Drug Administration provides general information on thimerosal here. |