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 PES principal Leean Mann (left) looks over the consent packets for the upcoming flu shot clinic with school nurse Sherry Moore. Information and consent packets were sent home this week, and must be returned by Friday, Oct. 30 for students to receive their flu vaccinations. (Times photo/Tim Blair) [Click to enlarge] |
The vaccinations are being offered to all students in the elementary and high school, but a parental permission packet must be completed and returned before the shots will be administered.
"Packets were sent out with all students this past Monday, Oct. 19," school nurse Sherry Moore explained. "The forms need to be fully filled-out and signed, and returned to us by Friday, Oct. 30, for the student to be included in the vaccination program."
For children to receive the shot, parents or guardians must first read the information sheet, then read and complete the front and back of the Arkansas Health Department consent form. "Parents need to make sure that they sign the consent form for each flu shot they want their child to receive," Moore added, "one for the seasonal flu vaccine and another on the back for the H1N1 vaccine. The school also requires separate consent forms and those must be signed as well." She also noted that the consent forms must be returned to school by Oct. 30
Moore will be available to help answer questions concerning the packet during this Thursday's parent-teacher conferences. "I'll be glad to try to answer any questions, or help if there are problems, but it is so important to stress to the parents that if they do not return the packet their child will not be vaccinated for the flu."
Unlike some schools in the region, Piggott Elementary has not been hard hit by the seasonal or H1N1 flu strain so far this fall. "We did have several children come down with the flu, but it hasn't been widespread like it has in some school districts," Moore noted. "I think the largest number of absentees we had was around 35, and that's not too bad considering we have over 500 students on this campus."
Moore will be available during parent-teacher conferences, which are being held from 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 22.
State and local health officials are also reminding everyone to continue to work to prevent the spread of the flu by remembering the three C's -- clean, cover and contain. Keep hands clean with soapy water and hand sanitizer, and keep surfaces clean where the virus could be spread by coughing and sneezing. Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Use a tissue and throw it away, or cough or sneeze into your elbow. And, contain the flu by staying at home when you are sick.
The symptoms are a fever over 100 degrees, body aches, headache, sore throat, cough and sometimes stomach problems such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
More information may also be obtained by calling Piggott Elementary School at 598-2546 or PHS at 598-3815. More information on the flu, and how to prevent its spread, is available on the Arkansas Department of Health website at www.healthyarkansas.com