DECEMBER 2009 STATUS

Clinics to vaccinate school-aged children and youth against the H1N1 Influenza were held in schools throughout the district during the month of November.

REDUCE THE RISK

The H1N1 pandemic is an extraordinary situation and it is important that we all work together to reduce the risk for both H1N1 and the seasonal flu. The three most important practices are...

• Clean (your hands);
• Cover (your cough or sneeze with a tissue or crook of your arm); and,
• Contain (stay home if you are sick).

Immunization clinics are currently underway to vaccinate people against the H1N1 virus. To find out more about the immunization plans for Central Newfoundland, check out details at the Central Health website:

http://www.centralhealth.nl.ca/pandemic-influenza/

or call the following toll-free number: 1-877-311-2613.

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS REGARDING H1N1 VACCINE

Pandemic Vaccine Fact Sheet

MONITORING

The Departments of Education and Health and Community Services, along with local school boards, have established a provincial planning committee to address issues around the H1N1 outbreak. The Director of Education with Nova Central School Board represents the district on that provincial committee. The action plans to date resulting from the provincial plan include hand washing promotion in schools, the installation of hand sanitizers in all schools and the implementation of additional bathroom checks and cleaning priorities for high touch areas in schools and on buses.

Our school district has also established a district committee to oversee implementation of the provincial plan regarding H1N1 in the district, plus monitor attendance rates and report on any issues to the provincial committee. A representative from Central Health also sits on this committee. Student and employee absenteeism will be assessed on a regular basis.

NEWS RELEASES

Minister outlines plans for H1N1 Virus as Schools Prepare to Re-open

RESOURCES

H1N1 Symptoms

H1N1 Influenza Brochure

FAQs School Staff

H1N1 Teacher Resource Package

Public Health Guidance for Child Care Centres and Schools

LINKS

Public Health Agency of Canada:
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/index-eng.php

www.fightflu.ca

Central Health:
http://www.centralhealth.nl.ca

Department of Education/H1N1:
http://www.ed.gov.nl.ca/edu/k12/h1n1/h1n1.html

Department of Health and Community Services:
http://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/hsi/default.htm

OR
Call the Central Health toll-free number 1-877-311-2613
Call the Newfoundland and Labrador Health Line: 1-888-709-2929