Flu vaccine to be available for students

Madison County students will be able to get the flu vaccine this year through the county health department.

“Yes! We are pleased and excited to be able to bring back the School Based Flu Campaign to Madison County school children this year,” said Beth Heath, the county nurse manager for the Madison County Health Department.

This is a joint project between public health and the Madison County School District.

The vaccine will be offered to every child, Pre-K through high school, whose parent signs a consent form that the school will be sending home with the child; the consent will also be available on the school website.

Of course, receiving the flu vaccine is completely voluntary — only kids whose parents want them to be vaccinated will receive a vaccine.

Two forms of vaccine will be offered. FluMist, the nasal spray form of the vaccine, will be given to all children, unless they have a specific contraindication, such as asthma or wheezing. Those children will receive the flu shot.

There will be no out of pocket cost for the vaccine. Some types of insurance will be billed, but no child who does not have insurance will be denied the vaccine.

Right now, the health department is planning to have its first clinic in some schools on Sept. 26, with the goal of having all schools immunized by the first week of October.

“I hope that many parents take advantage of this opportunity to have their children vaccinated against the flu,” said Heath. “Studies show that graduation rates are directly related to days of attendance, and getting the flu shot is one way to keep our kids healthy and in school. It’s also convenient and free to parents!”

For more information on the flu and the flu vaccine, go to www.flu.gov. Or call the health department at 706-795-2131.