In her latest e-newsletter Walnut Creek School District Superintendent Patricia Wool says that Walnut Creek schools won't close if there are any outbreaks of the H1N1 virus. However, she says the Contra Costa County Health Department is recommending that students get vaccinated both for the regular flu and for the swine flu--when this latter vaccination becomes available. My son received the regular flu vaccine; we happened to be at the doctor for a check-up, and he got all his immunizations up to date. His doctor suggested the regular flu vaccine for him. My son is pretty healthy, but the doctor said it would be a good idea, mainly out of concern for my husband, who has serious asthma and would be at risk for getting very sick if he contracted either flu.
I'm on the fence about the H1N1 vaccine, both for my son and myself, in part because I suspect we already had a bout of it back in June. Everyone in my family was hit with this weird cold, that had symptoms unlike any other cold/stomach virus we'd ever had. Fortunately, it wasn't serious and knocked us out for a couple days, and then it was gone.
What do you think about the vaccine for yourself and your family. I admit I still have some studying to do. For example I still need to read through a story by fellow Contra Costa blogger Mister Writer. He picked through and provides links to various studies on the H1N1 vaccine, in raising questions about its safety, efficacy, and necessity. Check out his report here.
Meanwhile, here is the portion of the regular e-newsletter sent out by Wool to parents, regarding the swine flu issue:
The Contra Costa County Health Department briefed all superintendents in the county concerning swine flu (H1N1). This year the health department does not plan to close schools; however, the agency is monitoring our attendance patterns to note fluctuations. The Health Department is recommending that all students receive immunizations for both H1N1 and the regular flu. Since 0-19 year olds are most at risk for H1N1, in low income schools, the vaccine will be provided. However, WCSD will not qualify. Therefore, the Health Department is encouraging parents to vaccinate children when the vaccine for swine flu (H1N1) becomes available. The ealth Department is also recommending a regular flu vaccination for students. The doctors reminded us that students will need to receive each immunization in two doses. For adults, regular flu vaccination is recommended.
