N.L to begin vaccinating schoolchildren
Last Updated: Friday, November 6, 2009 | 11:57 AM NT
CBC News
Vaccination of Newfoundland and Labrador students from kindergarten to Grade 3 against H1N1 influenza will begin Thursday, according to top education officials, but the province's limited supply of vaccine means it may take time to immunize them all.
"The vaccine will be provided to students in schools wherever it is feasible and possible," said provincial Education Minister Darin King. "However, there is currently a nationwide shortage of the vaccine. School-based immunization will be expanded as the supply of vaccine allows. Parents are encouraged to be patient and continue to reinforce enhanced hand washing and hygiene practices with their children."
King said that despite high absenteeism — which has left some schools in the province with half as many students as usual — schools will remain open.
"We certainly appreciate concerns parents have about the possible presence of H1N1 in schools," said King. "However, the recommendation that is being followed throughout Canada is to keep schools open. Health officials advise that this is not a school-based influenza, but a community-based pandemic. Closing schools will not contain the spread of the virus. At the same time, we are prepared to make any necessary changes to these plans depending on information we are receiving on a daily basis."
King said education officials won't let students fall behind in their studies because of swine flu.
"School districts have plans in place to help ensure learning continues despite absences or possible loss of instructional time if students are absent for extended periods of time," said King.
"This includes the preparation of online support materials and unit plans for home study."
