Flu vaccinations begin in schools; Older students regain priority
Flu vaccinations begin at 125 New York City elementary schools today. The vaccines arrive with news that older students will once again receive priority at the city’s weekend clinics.
This overturns the Health Department’s announcement yesterday that these clinics would welcome all New York City residents and not just students. Middle and high school students are entitled to vaccinations at designated sites–which are slated to open in early November. Other members of the public will be evaluated, but only those considered “at-risk” will receive treatment.
Health Department spokeswoman Jessica Scaperotti told the Daily News that the sites giving priority to students will redirect the public to other vaccination centers. She reiterated that the best place to receive a vaccination is from one’s primary-care doctor.
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What I’d like to know is when are private school children going to get their vaccinations? It was my understanding that all school aged children would be getting vaccinated at their schools, but at my son’s catholic school his principal said that she hasn’t received any consent forms or information about when they might get it, and was told that private schools were considered the lowest priority. And the rollout information about the phases of vaccinations shows the 3 phases in the public elementary schools and talks about weekend clinics for middle and high schoolers. Are children outside of public school supposedly resistant to H1N1? Our pediatrician hasn’t been able to get the vaccine, I’ve been calling clinics and none have had it in for my son’s age group. This is ridiculous.
Comment by Laura — October 28, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
I find the in-school vaccination program over-reaching and intrusive. I think there’s a lot of uncertainty about this vaccine out there, concerns about side-effects, and whether it’s really necessary: http://drbenkim.com/h1n1-flu-shot.htm; and now fears about children being vaccinated without parental consent: http://wcbstv.com/health/swine.flu.nyc.2.1281183.html. The forms that came home were basically “Consent” forms but there were no “Dissent” forms. Parents were told not to turn in the form if they didn’t want the vaccine, but this was confusing, especially to people for whom English is a second language. I think if people want the shot, they should go to their pediatricians’ offices and leave the schools out of the equation.
Comment by UWS Parent — November 3, 2009 @ 4:33 pm
I’m just hoping that NYC schools will not take on the role of giving ALL school age children this vaccine without their parent’s “WRITTEN” consent as not every parent is sold on giving their children this vaccination as there is some uncertainty and the side- effects are not well-known. I agree that parent’s should make the decision to vaccinate their children with their pediatrician rather than at a school environment. What is a child has a bad reaction to this vaccine while in school can the school fully guarantee that the child will be alright and that they can save the child’s life if the vaccination gives them a bad reaction during class hours?
Comment by Luz Ortiz — November 4, 2009 @ 2:15 pm
The schools have, sadly, given the vaccine to those who did not have consent letters. They have also given FluMist to those whose letters indicated that they were medically in need of the shot instead (asthma, diabetes, etc.). It’s a rushed, overcrowded, disorganized process.
You can always keep your child at home the day of the vaccinations, to be sure of no mistakes, and go to a pediatrician or clinic where you can supervise the vaccine of your choice. We will be doing so and have already arranged for a sitter, as we have concerns about both the “accidental” vaccinations and possible FluMist “live but weak” germs being transmitted to our slightly immune-suppressed child.
Comment by Jackson — November 5, 2009 @ 10:13 am