H1N1 Influenza (Swine Flu) information
March 5, 2010
Albany County Health Department announces free, unrestricted H1N1 vaccine clinics
The H1N1 vaccine is available by appointment weekdays from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at Albany County Department of Health, 175 Green Street, Albany.
The clinics are free of charge. Pre-registration is required.
Residents
may register at
www.albanycounty.com/health or by phone at
518-447-4505.
On Dec. 10, Governor David A. Paterson announced that, effective immediately, the H1N1 flu vaccine may be made available to all New Yorkers who want to be vaccinated, including those who are not in the initial target groups established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Accordingly, consistent with the Governor’s declaration, Albany County is now making the 2009 H1N1 vaccine available to all Albany County residents aged 6 months and older.
Sept. 28, 2009
A message from Green Island Superintendent Jack McKinney
Dear Parents,
With school back in session and the approach of
flu season upon us, I felt it was important to provide some information
about the H1N1 (swine) flu.
Influenza can be easily spread from person to person, which is why we are taking steps early to reduce the spread of flu at Green Island. We want to keep our schools open and functioning during this flu season, but we will need your help.
The Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC) has provided some basic background information about preventing the spread of germs during flu season. A brochure with this information is enclosed and some helpful information is listed below.
At this time, I want to make sure all parents and staff members are aware of the following points of information:
1. This flu spreads easily. By some predictions, H1N1 will infect 30 percent or more of the country’s population. So far, children ages 5 to 24 seem to be more vulnerable to H1N1. The good news, however, is that the H1N1 flu is generally mild and most people have recovered fairly quickly (3-5 days). Severe or serious side effects are possible for both children and adults who have other health issues. (If you have questions about health factors that may increase risk, please consult your physician.)
2. Have a plan: Children and faculty and staff members exhibiting flu-like symptoms must stay home from school; students who are ill at school will be sent home. The most effective way to prevent the spread of any illness is for those affected to stay away from school, work, and other group settings. I strongly encourage parents to discuss a contingency plan now for the event that your child must stay home from school or leave school in the middle of the day due to illness. The district recognizes that this can present challenges for working families, however, our responsibility is to maintain the healthiest school environment possible.
3. Be sure you’ve provided updated emergency contact information to the main office. It’s vital to provide the names and phone numbers of at least two adults other than parents who can take responsibility for your child if he/she becomes ill during the school day.
4. Students and staff members who experience any flu-like illness should remain at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever or signs of a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever reducing medications.
5. Teach your children proper hand washing and respiratory etiquette. Wash hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds (about as long as it takes to sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice). Be sure to set a good example by doing this yourself. Teach your children to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues or by coughing into the inside of their elbow. Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth as much as possible. This will also limit the spread of germs.
6. Try to avoid close contact with people who are sick. Additionally, avoid sharing personal items, such as drinks, food or unwashed utensils.
7. Get your family vaccinated for the seasonal flu and the 2009 H1N1 flu when vaccines are available. The H1N1 vaccination is projected to be available sometime this fall.
We are working closely with the State Department of Health, the Albany County Department of Health and the State Education Department to monitor flu conditions and make decisions about the best steps to take concerning our school. We will keep you updated with new information as it becomes available.
You can get additional information by visiting www.flu.gov or contacting the CDC at 1-800-232-4636.
Thank you for following the above recommendations to help keep our schools as healthy as possible.
Sincerely,
Jack McKinney
Superintendent of Schools
