School Based Flu Clinics Keep Students Healthy
Reno, NV (Feb. 4, 2011) - Nearly 1,500 students, school faculty and family members received free flu vaccinations thanks to the partnership between the Washoe County School District, Northern Nevada Immunization Coalition (NNIC), the Washoe County Health District and the Nevada State Health Division. NNIC reports this number represents more than 43 percent of students who were vaccinated this winter at participating schools, which is much higher than the national average of 28 percent for school-based influenza clinics.
Seven Washoe County schools were selected to be a part of a pilot program, which focused on school-based flu clinics funded by the Nevada State Public Health Preparedness program in preparation for a potential pandemic flu outbreak. Sierra Vista, Alice Maxwell, Esther Bennett, Anderson and Smithridge elementary schools were among the Title 1 campuses selected for the school-based clinics, along with Pine Middle School and Hug High School. The majority of recipients received the nasal spray flu vaccine, a painless alternative for people between the ages of 2 and 49 years who are healthy and free from chronic medical conditions, such as asthma.
"The pilot program was better than we could have ever anticipated," said Heidi Hurst, NNIC director. "Students, staff members and parents who received the vaccinations were extremely grateful for the free flu clinics. This program gave us the opportunity to bring vaccinations to the community rather than have families skip them due to cost barriers."
"The school-based clinics enabled us to vaccinate a large number of local residents who may not otherwise receive a flu vaccination," said Dana Balchunas, director of the District's Student Health Services. "Providing the vaccinations helps to reduce the rate of flu-related absenteeism, which, in turn, keeps parents from having to miss work and stay at home to care for their child. The clinics also provide awareness about the importance of all Washoe County School District students getting a flu vaccine this year."
Hurst hopes to bring school-based flu clinics to all Title 1 schools next flu season and turn the pilot program into a statewide project.
"A recent survey just released by the Commonwealth Fund ranked Nevada No. 51 in the nation in overall
health care, including prevention and treatment, and No. 46 in immunization rates for children from 19 to 35 months old. By offering opportunities to vaccinate the public, we can help improve Nevada's prevention numbers and raise awareness about overall health in the Silver State."
Flu vaccinations are still available throughout Northern Nevada and are recommended for everyone 6 months and older. Visit www.immunizenevada.org/flu to find out more. For more information on NNIC, visit www.immunizenevada.org/nnic.
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About Washoe County School District: The
Washoe County School District includes the Reno/Sparks metropolitan
area, Incline Village, Gerlach, Empire and Wadsworth, Nevada. The
District provides each of its 63,000 students with a superior education
in a safe and challenging environment and is committed to graduate every
child career and college ready. For more information visit:
www.washoecountyschools.org. Follow us on Twitter at WCSDTweet.
Washoe County School District
425 East Ninth Street
Reno, NV 89520
