H1N1 Clinic to be held December 11 at Mahar

Sometime back in August, I posted the first blog that referenced H1N1. At about that time I was working with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health to secure influenza vaccinations for students in the Ralph C. Mahar Regional School District, and for our sending schools whose administrations expressed an interest. Today, I am happy to report that our H1N1 clinic will be held in our gymnasium on December 11, 2009!

Very soon, I will sit with the Orange Department of Public Health Director, Roger Mallet to craft a press release. We currently have about 250 students scheduled to be vaccinated, and want to make a push to get the vaccination to more of our students. I must also specify that the December 11 clinic is for H1N1 only and that we are continuing in our efforts to provide the seasonal vaccinations for our students. Once we get through the H1N1 clinic, it will be much easier, and more widely accepted that we are providing students with vaccinations in school.

I am also happy to report that elementary students from the Petersham Center School will be able to participate in the December 11 clinic. Any student from Petersham Center School can get theH1N1 vaccination if the proper paperwork is competed and he or she is accompanied by a parent. I have a suspicion that the students in high school will take the vaccination injection much easier than the children who will come from Petersham – so for the Center School students a Mom, Dad, or other Guardian must attend!

The H1N1 clinic has opened a door for our district and for our students. The idea of providing services like influenza vaccinations in the school setting creates a convenient way for parents to have their students undergo routine wellness activities. By having the vaccinations in schools, parents do not have to make doctor appointments (which can take some time) or take time off of work to sit in waiting rooms. I have added the link to the H1N1 cover letter and permission form for parents at the bottom of this blog.


Next on the Horizon:
Last night I made the acquaintance of the Vice President of Family Health Centers. I am going to coordinate with her in an attempt to have Dental Screenings and Dental Clinics for our students. Just like the influenza vaccinations, the dental clinics will be optional if we are able to get them in our school. I will also ask our elementary school partners if they are interested in taking part.

http://www.rcmahar.org/Flu/flu%20shot%20cover%20letter%202009.pdf

http://www.rcmahar.org/Flu/2009%20H1N1%20Influenza%20Vaccine%20Consent%20Form.pdf