Free FluMist Vaccination Program for Public Elementary School Students
Updated: 12.9.11
For the sixth year, Anne Arundel County Public Schools and the Anne Arundel County Department of Health offered free seasonal flu vaccinations to healthy children 5 to 11 years old in the County public elementary schools. More than 15,000 doses were provided in 2011. Elementary schools with high flu vaccination rates often notice reduced illness not only among students vaccinated, but among families as well.
The vaccine, FluMist, is a nasal spray and is a safe, easy way to give the seasonal flu vaccine to young children. The 2011-2012 flu vaccine offers protection against three flu strains, including H1N1 (swine).
The Vaccine Information Statement, "Live, Intranasal Influenza Vaccine (LAIV): What You Need to Know," contains important information about LAIV. FluMist is the brand name for LAIV.
Parents and guardians who wanted their child to participate must have filled out and signed the Consent Form and returned it to their child's teacher by October 7, 2011. No child could be vaccinated without a signed Consent Form. Children under age 9 who did not receive flu vaccine in 2010 (or if it was unknown if they received flu vaccine in 2010) needed a second dose. Second doses were offered during November and December.
For specific vaccination dates in 2011, see this schedule.
For more information about the seasonal flu vaccine, parents of schoolchildren should contact their family physician, the School Health nurse or Immunization Services, 410-222-4896. For information about free community flu vaccine clinics, see Seasonal Flu Vaccine.