H1N1 vaccine coming to Rockford schools

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ROCKFORD — The Winnebago County Health Department will provide H1N1 vaccinations at all Rockford public schools during the next few weeks. Parents should keep an eye out for permission forms that students will bring home.

Superintendent LaVonne Sheffield is mailing letters Friday to parents and guardians about the district’s status with attendance and illness within the Rockford School District.

So far, the number and nature of recorded absences aren’t at the level to do more than take basic flu-prevention measures.

Parents are told to contact the nurse at their child’s school with further questions.

In the letter, Sheffield says she wants to remind parents that the district is taking appropriate steps to protect students, and students’ health and safety is a top priority.

Student absences are reported daily to the county Health Department. Parents will be immediately advised if the number of flu cases being reported reaches a level requiring more action, according to the letter.

Parents should talk to their children about how they feel each morning, and children with flulike symptoms should stay home. Children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school.

At a recent Education Committee meeting, district officials stressed the importance of receiving an H1N1 vaccine.

All students must return the permission slip, whether they opt for the vaccine or not. School officials want parents to make well-informed decisions about the vaccine.

For more information, visit rps205.com.

RECENT FLU HEADLINES
Oct. 21: Most flu cases likely to be H1N1 variety
Oct. 20: Software helps county track flu cases
Oct. 20: Hospitals restricting visitors to stop H1N1
Oct. 20: USDA confirms H1N1 in Minn. pigs
Oct. 20: Feds study H1N1 shot dose for asthmatics
Oct. 20: County issues its first H1N1 shots

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