Flu Shots

11/1/07
I was a little bit concerned when I realized that we gave only 30 FLU SHOTS at RCE this year. In past years we have given between 80-100. I am hoping that our reduced numbers are due more to the easy availability this year (you can get it at most pharmacies in local supermarkets right now) rather than apathy about the approaching flu season. If you have not yet received your flu shot or provided this for your children, now is the time to do this. We can’t predict how severe this year’s flu season will be. So, get ready for it now!
From the Centers for Disease Control: This year, Tuesday November 27, 2007, is set aside as Children’s Flu Vaccination Day, with a focus on vaccinating high-risk children. Each year, over 20,000 children are hospitalized as a result of influenza. This day will help raise awareness about the value of vaccinating children—especially high-risk children—and their close contacts.
We do have a number of children at RCE who are considered “high risk”. If your child is one of them (and children with a history of asthma are considered high risk for flu) hopefully you have already taken care of this. Even if your child is super-healthy, remember that they come in contact with other family members, teachers and students, who may either transmit the flu to them, or become very ill if they contract the flu. Do your part now to protect your family and community.