This year presents both parents and schools with two influenza challenges: regular seasonal influenza and H1N1. Seasonal influenza vaccine is currently available and it is strongly recommended that you consult your family physician regarding seasonal influenza vaccinations for all members of your family.



The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended certain groups of people, including pregnant women and children and young people 6 months through 24 years of age, be vaccinated against the H1N1 influenza virus as soon as the vaccine becomes available.
Please contact your physician to determine if the H1N1 vaccine is recommended for your child and if so, when your child may receive the vaccination.



The New Trier Township School Districts are working with the Cook County
Department of Public Health (CCDPH) to establish an immunization site within the
township. However, we have been told by the CCDPH that New Trier Township is
not among the highest priority areas, and therefore, vaccinations through public
schools will not be available until January 2010. If a township site is approved by the Cook County Department of Public Health, this program will offer only one dose of vaccine. At this time, it is expected that in order to be fully immunized, children will need two doses of vaccine, administered four weeks or more apart. It would be parental responsibility to arrange with their physician to administer the second dose of vaccine.



Your health care provider is the best source of information regarding your family's personal health needs and influenza vaccinations. We urge you to contact your family physician to discuss immunizing your family for both seasonal and H1N1 influenza.



Please note that not every physician will have the vaccine at this time.



Sincerely,



Mary B. Herrmann, Ph.D.

Superintendent



Jane Zaleski

School Nurse