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Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet

Live Intranasal Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet

Inactivated H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet

Live H1N1 Influenza Vaccine Information Sheet

Parental Consent Form Influenza

Parental Consent Form H1N1

Privacy Policy

H1N1 Information for Parents

November18 2009

Dear SMR parents,

As we enter flu season and the H1N1 influenza virus, known also as the swine flu, continues to be a concern, we pass along the following information so we all may remain informed and vigilant regarding this disease.

What We Are Doing:

• We have purchased hand sanitizer (65% alcohol content) for every classroom and office.

• Teachers are emphasizing hand-washing throughout the day and students are encouraged to cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough.

• Parents of students who become ill at school or who come to school ill will be called. Parents or caregivers must pick up the student from school; students will not be able to ride the bus home.

• The school administration is in close contact with the St. Mary's County Health Department for any additional information that comes forward, and we continue to follow the guidelines published for schools by the health department and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC).

• The school is being cleaned and sanitized on a daily basis.

What You Can Do (per CDC guidelines):

• If your child develops flu or flu-like symptoms, have him/her stay home. If a student stays home from school, the standard absentee procedure should be followed: a parent needs to call the school between 7:45-9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. The main school number is 301-475-2814 or 1-800-270-0155.

• Prevention is the key. Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently with soap and water. (If you are at school, you will find numerous hand sanitizers in every classroom and other locations around campus. Use them often.) You can also help avoid spreading germs by not touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Sneeze or cough into your elbow, not your hands. If you do use a tissue when you cough or sneeze, throw it away immediately and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

The CDC and the Maryland Department of Health & Mental Hygiene (DHMH) have websites that spell out the precautions recommended for school settings:

CDC H1N1 Flu (Swine Flu): Resources for K-12 Schools

DHMH Swineflu Web

This Web page will be updated as necessary and some updated information will also be sent through the parent e-mail system. Should you have questions, please contact me or a member of the administrative team. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Rick Wood

Principal