August 28, 2009
Dear Juneau School District Students, Families and Staff:

The Juneau School District is aware of the nationwide public health concern regarding the 2009 H1N1 virus, commonly called swine flu. JSD staff is working closely with local, state and national health agencies to monitor illnesses and infections in our community. Families should remain calm, be aware and prepared. The district has an incremental plan in place to deal with potential outbreaks and our schools are prepared to follow those procedures. This protocol has four levels of response which ranges from the current Level 1 (Planning and Precautions) to Level 4 (Closure of All Schools and School District Activities).

Symptoms of swine flu are similar to those of regular influenza and can include fever, cough, sore throat, chills, headache, fatigue and body aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may be present as well. The illness may last up to seven days, but people are considered to be contagious as long as symptoms persist. If you or your child is showing mild flu-like symptoms, stay home, monitor symptoms closely and be sure to speak with your physician or school nurse.

The district wants to remind parents and staff members of the importance of prevention and how to stay healthy.

What You Can Do To Prevent the Spread of Swine Flu

• Sneeze or cough into a tissue, elbow or sleeve.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Avoid close contact with anyone who displays flu-like symptoms.
• Practice good health habits. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.
• Please remember that students should always stay home if diagnosed with a contagious illness or when they have any of the following symptoms: fever above 100 degrees, heavy nasal congestion, frequent cough, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If you have any questions about swine flu, please visit the following websites:

State of Alaska Pandemic Flu
Federal Centers for Disease Control

For Additional information about H1N1 in Juneau schools view the Juneau School District H1N1 Virus Protocol. REVISED 9/14/09. This document will be updated on an ongoing basis as new  guidelines are released from the Centers for Disease Control or as new information becomes available.

For information on how to tell if you child has the flu see "Sick Day Guidelines: Making the Right Call When Your Child Has a Cold" from the National Association of School Nurses.

Tentative School H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccine Clinic Schedule

 The Juneau Public Health Center and the Juneau School District are working together to hold H1N1 (Swine Flu) Vaccination clinics for students in each of our public schools. The vaccinations are free and are highly recommended by the State of Alaska, but are not a requirement for students. Permission slips are being sent out from schools. Children age six months through 9 years will require two doses, at least one month apart.

Students must have a signed permission slip to receive the vaccine. Due to the limited quantity of vaccinations, they are being provided to priority populations. Children and adolescent is a priority group. We will not be providing vaccinations to school district staff or family members of school children. Children or adolescents who are in a high risk population and cannot receive the type of vaccine available at their school or feel a need to receive a vaccination earlier than the scheduled clinic in their school, are encouraged to contact their private provider or public health.

January 21                         Gastineau Second Visit

January 29                         Riverbend Elementary School Second Visit

February 5                         Auke Bay Second Visit

February 12                       Mendenhall River Community School Second Visit

February 17                       Juneau Community Charter School Second Visit

February 19                       Harborview Elementary School Second Visit

February 26                       Glacier Valley Elementary School Second Visit

**All clinics subject to change based on availability of vaccinations.**           

Students will need a signed permission form and acknowlegement of receipt of DHSS Notice of Privacy Practices.

• Parent/Guardian Information Letter
• Permission Form
• DHSS Acknowledgement of Receipt of DHSS Notice of Privacy Practices
• DHSS NOTICE OF USE OF PRIVATE HEALTH CARE INFORMATION

What You Need to Know About the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Vaccine

• Inactivate Flu Shot
• Live, Attenuated Nasal Spray Vaccine