Rockford schools prep for flu with vaccines, masks

ROCKFORD — The Rockford School District is partnering with the Winnebago County Health Department to help people stay healthy during the flu season and avoid the H1N1 virus and the traditional flu.

The county has offered to vaccinate staff and students for the H1N1 virus, and students’ parents must fill out a form with a yes or no response. Not turning in the form is not an option, said Fred Diehl, the district’s security and emergency response coordinator.

“We want to make sure everyone’s well-informed about this,” he said.

The vaccine won’t protect against the traditional flu.

The district already has 10 face masks for every 125 students, and it’s ordering more just to be prepared, said Mary Fisher, the district’s health services supervisor.

For more information about the district’s plan for flu season, click on the thermometer link on the left side of the district’s Web site, rps205.com.