H1N1 Flu Information

A letter from Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Johnson (in English) or una carta sobre la gripe.

Below are links (added October 21, 2009)

1. VDH School H1N1 Vaccination information
2. La información sobre la enfermedad causada por la gripe
   
3. Nasal spray H1N1 Vaccine Information
4. Shot H1N1 Vaccine Information
5. Student Consent Form for H1n1 vaccine

Information concerning the H1N1 virus has been posted on the VDOE Web site at http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/influenza/index.shtml

These documents, issued jointly by the U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, contain recommendations on the continuity of school learning in the event of school closures due to the H1N1 virus.

At this point, the new information does not signal a change in recent Centers for Disease Control (CDC) guidance concerning school closure. CDC continues to recommend that schools not close as a means of mitigating the spread of the H1N1 virus; however, the possibility does exist that schools may close due to a high level of absenteeism caused by the virus. Thus, it is important to consider continuity of learning as part of the overall preparation for the fall virus season.

The Virginia Department of Education (VDOE), in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Health, has produced brief videos to inform parents and educators of the steps they can take to prevent the spread of H1N1 A and seasonal influenza in schools.

Please view “H1N1 for Parents” (length 3:05) by clicking this link: http://www.vdoe.whro.org/h1n1_parents/DOE_H1N1_PAR.swf.

A companion video, “H1N1 for Educators” (length 3:54), describes the steps schools should take to protect the health of students and staff and may be viewed at this address: http://www.vdoe.whro.org/h1n1_educators/DOE_H1N1_EDU.swf

Additional information on H1N1 A Influenza and schools is available on the VDOE Web site at this address: http://www.doe.virginia.gov/support/health_medical/influenza/index.shtml.