County takes flu battle to schools
Tuesday, December 9, 2008 6:11 PM PST
By Cheryll A. Borgaard
Printable version
E-mail this articleGetting the flu is nothing to sneeze at — especially if you go to Kelso schools. “Kelso had seven times more hospitalization for flu in ages 11 through 17 than Longview last year,” said Megan Guffey, health department spokeswoman.
Monday, a Cowlitz County Health Department nurse immunized 44 students and staff at Kelso High School. A second free immunization clinic is planned Friday at Huntington Middle School, also in Kelso.
The health department targeted the adolescent-aged, based on a recent recommendation from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The previous recommendation for flu immunization was for children age 6 months to 5 years. Now, it’s expanded to all children 6 months through 18 years.
“I think part of the CDC’s opinion is that too many people are still getting the flu,” Guffey said. “There are people who are hospitalized and people who die from the flu.”
Last year, two Washington children died from the flu, and 80 children died nationally, according to the state Department of Health.
“If children pick up the flu at school, they can also spread it to their families,” said Dr. Maxine Hayes, state health officer. “This can be especially dangerous if there are babies or older adults in the home.”
Guffey agreed.
“That’s one of the important reasons to get the vaccine,” she said. “They think they won’t get (the flu), but the truth is, if you’re around small children or your elderly grandparents, you don’t want to be the one to infect them.”
The flu spreads easily, especially in places where children are with other kids every day, a state Department of Health news release said. Even a mild case of the flu can keep kids out of school and parents out of work for several days.
In past years, there have been shortages of the vaccine and only the most vulnerable were immunized. This year, the state has lots of vaccine for children, and there’s still time to prevent influenza effectively, according to the state Department of Health.
Though the health department didn’t know how many students to expect at Monday’s clinic, Guffey said officials were pleased with the number.
“Based on how successful these type of events typically are, we’re happy with the turnout,” she said. “We’ll be really tickled if we see that many students on Friday.”
Flu shots for kids
Parents can get their children vaccinated for influenza at the Cowlitz County Health Department every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. Cost for children’s immunization is $5.50. An appointment also can be made by calling 414-5599. The health department is located at 1952 Ninth Ave., Longview.
How can I protect my family against flu?
• Take time to get a flu vaccine for yourself and your children
• Wash hands often and cover coughs and sneezes
• Stay away from sick people
• Keep hands away from face.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
countrygirl wrote on Dec 9, 2008 7:43 AM:
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2cents wrote on Dec 9, 2008 8:02 AM:
Lucky7 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:14 AM:
Rubicon wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:30 AM:
momto1 wrote on Dec 9, 2008 10:46 AM:
onaprayer wrote on Dec 9, 2008 11:38 AM:
Former Resident wrote on Dec 9, 2008 12:54 PM:
2cents wrote on Dec 9, 2008 1:23 PM:
critter wrote on Dec 9, 2008 4:15 PM:
2cents wrote on Dec 9, 2008 4:32 PM:
I actually do care about people, that is why I advise to research vaccines carefully. "
Former Resident wrote on Dec 9, 2008 6:06 PM:
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