Some School Systems Offering Swine Flu Shot
Students can Receive H1N1 Influenza Vaccines
Oct 18, 2009
Many schools and teachers have taken swine influenza precautions in attempt to lessen the chance of students getting sick from the flu. In the beginning, most of these practices included using antibacterial soaps, wipes, and sprays, along with encouraging parents to keep sick children at home. However, with the release of the H1N1 vaccine, some schools have decided to take their actions against the flu a bit further. These school districts are offering students the opportunity to receive a flu shot at school. While many parents are excited about the opportunity for their child to receive the vaccination for H1N1, others are not so quick to sign the release form required for the procedure to take place.
Are Students Required to Get the Flu Shot?
As of right now, there are no regulations requiring students to take the vaccine for the H1N1 flu in the school systems that have elected to offer it. The students are given a letter explaining the procedures and administration of the shot. Parents are asked to review the letter and indicate whether they wish for their child to receive the flu vaccine injection or the swine flu vaccine mist or neither procedure. The form is then signed by the legal guardian and returned to school.
Why are Some School Systems Electing to Administer Influenza Vaccines at School?
Many systems have decided to offer the shot at school in hopes that more students will receive it. During peak flu season, many doctor offices run low of flu vaccines. The childhood deaths resulting from H1N1 have heightened the panic of gaining swine flu prevention for many parents. Some parents are very excited about gaining a chance for their child to get the injection. By being offered at school, some children will receive the shot who otherwise would not. These children possibly have parents that will sign the release but would not or could not take their child to a health clinic.
What are the Negative Aspects of H1N1 Shots Given at School?
Many children are extremely fearful of shots. It is difficult enough for parents to take the child to the doctor for an injection. When the occurrence takes place at school with a teacher or other faculty member present, the scenario can be even more devastating. Most letters to parents indicate that if the child refuses the injection, it will not be given. Therefore, it is possible that many children who have parents wishing for the shot will not receive it. It is to be expected that several students will not willing accept the needle. However, many more may be acceptable to the mist. Some that are uncertain about preventative flu injections at school fear a negative impact on the child's attitude of attending school once they realize that shots can be given.
Who Will Administer the Flu Vaccination?
Only trained specialist will be allowed to give students the vaccination for the flu. Most schools have a school nurse to help. Other medical specialists will likely be brought to the schools on the day that the shots are to be administered.
Seemingly, schools are being forced to take on more and more responsibility for students in addition to education. Keeping students healthy is one task that many teachers and school officials are facing, especially during the flu season. As of now, offering the swine flu shot is one way that schools feel they can contribute to a child's education by keeping them disease free and present at school. However, parents still have the option to refuse the injection.
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