Health Centers in Schools is once again teaming up with the East Baton Rouge Parish School System in providing free vaccinations for students.  In a proactive move designed to keep our schools safe and healthy for learning, parental permission packets are being sent home with students this week for the free H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine.

This vaccination at school will be in the form of an inhalant, and it is for the average, healthy child.  Some children will get one vaccination and some two doses, depending on their age.  Based on answers provided on the returned consent form, children with asthma, chronic disease or immune deficiencies will be given an injection rather than receive the mist vaccine.

All students with permission will receive the vaccination in a school under the advisement of Health Centers in Schools’ registered nurses and trained medical personnel.  Every question in the packet must be answered completely and the consent form signed by a parent or guardian for a child to receive the free vaccination.  Parents and guardians should return the consent form to the school as soon as possible, since the vaccination schedule begins Tuesday, January 19, and goes through February.  The first schools receiving the vaccination, scheduled Tuesday, January 19, are Banks, Winbourne and Audubon elementary schools and the Children’s Charter School.

“It is gratifying for us to see school systems across Louisiana participating in this program that we piloted for the state,” said Sue Catchings, CEO of Health Centers in Schools.  “This is the most preventive work that we can do as school staff to ensure health and safety on the campuses and in the community.”

In addition, school district employees, including teachers, administrators, school bus drivers, nutrition workers and other support staff, now will be able to receive the vaccination for a fee of just $5.  For more information, contact Catchings at (225) 721-1748 or s.catchings@brhccs.org.