You’ve heard about the seasonal flu. Maybe you’ve even had it once or twice. This year, it’s back, but so is H1N1 (previously referred to as “swine flu”).
Parents and children alike can contact their local healthcare provider or pharmacy to get flu shots. And new this year, the health department has partnered with Virginia Beach City Public Schools to offer H1N1 vaccinations.
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Virginia Beach parents should check with their local health care provider/pharmacy to receive an H1N1 vaccine. Many providers/pharmacies have registered to receive and administer vaccines to their patients and customers.
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health (VBDPH) currently does not have enough vaccine to vaccinate individuals in priority groups. However, when vaccine becomes available, it will host H1N1 vaccination clinics at its location at 4452 Corporation Lane. Virginia Beach residents that fall into one of the categories below are eligible to receive vaccine from the VBDPH:
- children who attend private school
- children who attend a child care center
- students attending institutions of higher education
- pregnant women
- caregivers of children younger than 6 months old
- healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
- individuals from 6 months to 24 years old
- people between the ages of 25 and 64 who have underlying health conditions
Continue to check HealthyVB.com for dates and times of vaccination clinics. |
If you’re a parent of a youngster attending public school in Virginia Beach, make sure to check his/her backpack for information relating to H1N1. In order for your child to receive a vaccine, you must sign a consent form. If the consent form doesn’t make it home, you can click on the link at the bottom of this page or visit HealthyVB.com and vbschools.com to download it. You’ll also find vaccine information sheets and answers to frequently asked questions about H1N1 listed in our related links section below.
Vaccination clinics will begin during the third week of October at elementary schools first, then middle and high schools. Vaccination clinics will rotate through the schools alphabetically by zone. For instance, elementary schools (in alphabetical order) that feed into Bayside High School will be the first to receive the vaccine. Elementary schools that feed into Cox High School will be next.
Have you signed a consent form but your child hasn’t received an H1N1 vaccine yet? Don’t fret. Vaccination clinics will continue until every school has been visited.
Please note, parents are welcome to contact their family physician or pharmacy if you are concerned about your child’s school being later on the list for vaccinations.
Follow these simple steps to prevent catching and spreading flu viruses.
Protect yourself against germs:
- The flu and common cold spread are usually spread through tiny droplets sprayed into the air when you cough or sneeze. Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or sneeze or cough into your upper sleeve to protect the spread of germs. Throw away used tissues immediately.
- Wash your hands thoroughly and often. You must use soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when hand washing is not possible.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs can live for two hours or more on surfaces like doorknobs, desks or chairs. They can easily be spread when you touch a contaminated surface and then your face.
- Avoid close contact with those who are sick.
If you do get sick, follow these steps to get well:
- Wash your hands often.
- Stay home and keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink lots of fluids like water, tea, broth or juice.
- Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen as needed for pain or fever.
- Use a vaporizer or saline drops to relieve congestion.
Remember, influenza can affect your entire family. Make plans now. What happens if one of your family members becomes ill? How will you balance work and family priorities? How will you take care of your children if you are sick?
The key is not to panic, but rather, be prepared. By following the recommendations above, you can help reduce the spread of both H1N1 and seasonal flu in Virginia Beach.
(Information provided by the Virginia Beach Department of Public Health)