Swine (H1N1) Flu Updates:
UPDATE ON INFORMATION ABOUT SWINE FLU AND SCHEDULING A FLU VACCINATION CLINIC
PTA members are invited to participate in a two-day web dialogue to give the CDC input on its voluntary vaccination program against the 2009 H1N1 flu virus. Participants will discuss, deliberate, and offer input as the CDC helps state and local health organizations develop the vaccination program. Two identical dialogues are scheduled for August 26-27 and August 31-September 1. While the dialogue may be two days in length, participants can come and go from the web-based conversation as their time allows. Please visit www.webdialogues.net/H1N1 and register for the dialogue that works best for your schedule. Please share this announcement with your state’s PTA members. Sample e-newsletter language and a flyer are attached for your use. In addition, here are some additional resources available to PTAs and their members:
· PTA’s Resources on H1N1 - http://www.pta.org/2940.htm. Information that can be found on this site includes:
(1) Talking to Children About Swine Flu, (2) Parent Tips – H1N1 Flu, (3) article from Our Children and (4) information on Let’s Fight Flu Together.
· http://www.flu.gov/ - A one-stop location for all concerns regarding influenza, including seasonal flu and H1N1. Although it is spearheaded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, 10 other federal agencies contribute as well.
· Preparing for the Flu (Including 2009 H1N1 Flu) Toolkit –A useful toolkit for schools can also be found online at http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/, and a similar tool kit for individuals and families is available at http://www.flu.gov/individual/index.html.
Finally, there is still time to schedule a flu vaccination clinic at your school or in your community through National PTA’s Let’s Fight the Flu Together program. For more information on the program or to schedule a clinic, click here: http://www.flubusters.com/pta, or call Michael Porter at 770-512-8566, Ext. 513.