As you may have heard, a new influenza virus, called the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus, was first identified in the United States in late April 2009. The virus has caused illness ranging from mild to severe, including hospitalizations and deaths in adults and children. Many children have gotten 2009 H1N1 infection and there have been large outbreaks in some schools across the country. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that children and young adults aged 6 months through 24 years be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is available. Other groups recommended to get the first doses of 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine are:

• Pregnant women
• People who live with or care for children younger than 6 months of age
• Health care and emergency medical services workers, and
• People ages 25 through 64 years who have certain health conditions such as HIV, diabetes, or heart or lung disease.

Vaccination is the best way to protect your child from this potentially serious disease. The Hamilton City Health Department is working with your child’s school to give the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine to children. We have not worked out specific details or dates. At this time we would like to begin the registration process. Children are expected to need two doses of vaccine if they are under age 10, spaced about 3-4 weeks apart. There will be no cost to you for this vaccine.

The vaccine consent form includes options allowing you to either accept or refuse the vaccination for your child. If you refuse, the vaccination will not be given to your child.

You can read the “What you need to know” form about the disease and the vaccine. You must then sign and date the consent form to the accept vaccination for your child and return it to the school. If you accept vaccination, the vaccine will be given to your child when it is on hand. School officials will let you know when the vaccination clinic will take place about one week before. If, at any time you change your mind about having your child vaccinated, you can call and speak directly to your child’s school nurse to have your child’s name removed. Giving consent early will ensure that your child is ready to receive the vaccine as soon as it is on hand.

If you have any questions about the vaccine or the vaccination clinics, please call: 513-785-7092 from 9 AM to 5 PM. Please visit the CDC’s 2009 H1N1 influenza web site at http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ and also http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/parents for more information especially for parents. Your child’s health care provider also can answer your questions about the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus and will be able to give your child the seasonal influenza vaccine and may be able to give your child the 2009 H1N1 vaccine.

Sincerely,
City of Hamilton Health Department