Beginning October 14, 2009 and continuing through December, the Arkansas Department of Health in conjunction with the Arkansas Department of Education and local school districts statewide will be providing free seasonal flu shots and H1N1 vaccine if supplies are available to school children at 1094 schools.  This effort is funded by the tobacco tax passed during the recent legislative session and federal monies and is part of Governor Mike Beebe’s health initiative.
Dr. James Phillips, branch chief, infectious disease, said, “Flu is serious.  Each year we lose some 36,000 Americans to complications from flu.  H1N1 flu is placing an additional burden on the safety and well being of our school children.  We have seen 9 deaths due to complications from H1N1 flu this season.  Flu shots are not required for children to attend school, but they are highly recommended.”
Arkansas Department of Education commissioner Dr. Tom W. Kimbrell said, “Schools are already dealing with student and staff absences due to the flu and similar ailments, and any day missed by either affects the level of teaching and learning that can occur. The fact that these vaccines are available to all of our students and school personnel is tremendously positive and should prove helpful for both the physical and academic health of our students.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Academy of Pediatricians (AAP) recommend that all children aged 6 months and older receive a seasonal flu shot every year.  Seasonal flu causes children to miss school and their parents to miss work.  The seasonal flu shot will not protect against the novel H1N1 influenza A (Swine Flu) virus.  The H1N1 flu vaccine is a separate vaccine.  The ADH is working to make sure the high priority groups that are most at risk for complications for H1N1 flu receive the H1N1 vaccine first. Children ages 6 months to 24 years are one of the priority groups.
Beebe School District sent letters of consent home with students on Tuesday, Oct. 13th. Currently, the vaccines are set to be given to students in Beebe on Oct. 27th and 28th.