A student at Kalihi Kai Elementary School receives her influenza vaccination. The Department of Health is conducting H1N1 vaccination clinics at schools statewide. (Photo courtesy of The Governor's Office)

MEDIA RELEASE

The state Department of Health has sent home parental consent forms for upcoming H1N1 vaccination clinics at participating schools across the state.

The free, voluntary program is being offered to students in kindergarten through 8th grades statewide.

“We’re hoping that parents will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to get their keiki vaccinated,” said Health Director Chiyome Fukino, M.D. “Vaccination is the best protection you can offer your children to prevent complications from flu. We urge both keiki and their families to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines in order to have maximum protection against both known flu strains circulating this year.”

In addition to the scheduled school clinics, 2009 H1N1 vaccinations have begun on a relatively small scale for other priority populations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends populations most at-risk for severe illness or complications from the flu receive priority in getting the vaccine.

These groups include:

* Pregnant women,

* Persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than age 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings, and daycare providers),

* Health-care and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact,

* Persons aged 6 months through 24 years, and

* Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

“In these early weeks while we have limited supplies of H1N1 vaccine, we are adhering to the CDC recommended priority groups,” said State Epidemiologist Sarah Y. Park, M.D.

“If you’re not sure whether you qualify, please check with your healthcare provider to see if you fall within a priority group and where you should go to get vaccinated,” Park said. “If you’re not in a priority group, please be assured that eventually everyone who wants the vaccine will be able to receive it.”

Initial vaccine shipments to Hawaii have been limited by factors including manufacturers’ output, variations in the state’s allocation, and delivery logistics. As these variables are resolved, DOH fully anticipates receiving ample vaccine supplies to meet the needs of Hawaii’s population and will continue to provide timely updates.

To view a list of schools participating in offering H1N1 vaccination clinics, visit www.flu.hawaii.gov, or call 2-1-1.

Information for parents

H1N1 flu vaccinations at school-located clinics are only available to enrolled students, faculty, and staff at the respective participating school on the day of the school’s scheduled clinic.

There will be no make-up or additional clinic days scheduled, and students, faculty, and staff cannot present to another school for vaccination.

Students who miss their scheduled clinic should contact their primary care provider for vaccination.

Please note if you plan for your child to receive the nasal spray form of both the regular seasonal flu vaccine and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccine, they cannot be given on the same day and must be separated by at least 4 weeks.

If your child is receiving both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccination through the Stop Flu in School vaccination project, the proper interval will be ensured.

In contrast, the shot (injectable) form of both the regular seasonal and the 2009 H1N1 flu vaccines or a shot of one and a nasal spray of the other can be given on the same day or separately at any time.

2009 H1N1 vaccination participating school clinic schedule for the Big Island: (Updated Oct. 20)

Christian Liberty School  –  1/20/10

Connections NCPCS – 1/12/10

DeSilva Elementary  – 1/7/10

E Makaala School – 1/21/10

Haaheo Elementary  – 1/19/10

Haili Christian School – 1/12/10

Hawaii Academy of Arts & Science PCS – 12/8/09

Hawaii Montessori School  –  Kamuela – 12/9/09

Hawaii Montessori School  –  Kona – 12/2/09

Hawaii Preparatory Academy – 1/12/10

Hilo Intermediate  – 1/21/10

Hilo Union Elementary  – 12/9/09

Holualoa Elementary  – 12/8/09

Honaunau Elementary – 12/16/09

Honokaa Elementary – 1/22/10

Hookena Elementary – 12/7/09

Hualalai Academy – 12/1/09

Innovations PCS – 12/10/09

Ka Umeke Kaeo PCS – 1/13/10

Kahakai Elementary  – 12/10/09

Kalanianaole Elementary & Intermediate  – 12/15/09

Kamehameha Schools  – 1/14/10

Kanu o ka Aina NCPCS – 1/12/10

Kapiolani Elementary  – 1/28/10

Kau High & Pahala Elementary  – 12/10/09

Kaumana Elementary  – 1/7/10

Ke Ana Laahana PCS – 1/19/10

Ke Kula Nawahiokalaniopuu Iki Lab PCS – 1/26/10

Ke Kula o Ehunuikaimalino – 12/7/09

Keaau Elementary  – 2/2/10

Keaau Middle  – 12/7/09

Kealakehe Elementary  – 1/6/10

Kealakehe Intermediate – 12/1/09

Keaukaha Elementary  – 1/13/10

Keonepoko Elementary – 12/17/09

Kohala Middle  – 12/9/09

Kohala Mission School – 12/14/09

Konawaena Elementary – 12/2/09

Konawaena Middle  – 12/3/09

Laupahoehoe High & Elementary – 1/25/10

Malamalama Waldorf School – 1/20/10

Mauna Loa School – 12/15/09

Naalehu Elementary & Intermediate – 1/6/10

Paauilo Elementary & Intermediate  – 1/25/10

Pahoa Elementary  – 12/14/09

Pahoa High & Intermediate – 12/14/09

Parker School – 12/14/09

St. Joseph Elementary School – 1/20/10

St. Joseph Jr./Sr. High School – 1/20/10

Volcano Sch Art/Sci PCS – 1/26/10

Waiakea Elementary  – 12/16/09

Waiakea Intermediate  – 1/11/10

Waiakeawaena Elementary – 1/27/10

Waikoloa Elementary  – 1/7/10

Waimea Country School – 12/9/09

Waimea Elementary – 1/11/10

Waimea Middle PCCS – 12/14/09