October 12, 2010

Dear Parent/Guardian

On Wednesday, October 20, 2010 the school-based flu vaccination clinic will be held at the Gordon School for students in nursery through 8th grade. The RI Department of Health, in conjunction with The Wellness Company (TWC), will be coordinating and managing the clinic. The clinic will be staffed with licensed healthcare professionals who will administer vaccinations and monitor and manage any adverse reactions. This year’s seasonal flu vaccine will also include protection from the H1N1 flu virus.

GENERAL OVERVIEW

1.  Place: The Gordon School

2.  Time: 4pm-8pm

Please refer to the schedule below regarding when you should arrive to the clinic. This schedule has been prepared to ensure the youngest children are vaccinated as early as possible. Your adherence to this schedule is very much appreciated. If you have children in multiple grades, please come to the designated time of the child in the lowest grade.

A.  3:45pm – Nursery, Preschool, Young K, Kindergarten

B.  4:45pm – First, Second, and Third Grade

C.  5:30pm – Fourth, Fifth, Sixth

D.  6:15pm – Seventh, Eighth Grade, Faculty/Staff

3.  The seasonal flu vaccine provided to school age children will be administered via injection or intranasal route.

An adult must accompany children in Nursery - 5th grade

4.  According to the RI Department of Health, children will need to stay in the observation area for 15 minutes following the administration of the vaccine.

WHAT YOU NEED TO DO?

1.  Please have your insurance card with you on the day of the clinic

2.  If you have not done so, please return the consent form to Gordon at the front desk or the health office

3.  If your child has an egg allergy you need to consult with your child’s pediatrician or family physician before the vaccination date

4.  On the day of the vaccination clinic, please dress your child in a short sleeve shirt or clothing that can be easily rolled up

I want to reiterate that the school-based clinic is for Gordon students in grades Nursery through Eighth Grade. Seasonal flu vaccine information is available at the RI Department of Health website: http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/about/clinics/school.

If you have any further questions regarding the clinic, please feel free to call me at (401) 434-3833 x141.

Sincerely,

Belle Sangalang, RN