The Southeast Polk Community School District is working closely with the Polk County Health Department to assist in making the community prepared for an influenza pandemic.
An influenza pandemic is an outbreak of illness that can make many people sick and will last longer than the traditional flu outbreak.
Public health officials want people to protect themselves against influenza as well as prepare for pandemic influenza.
We will continue to share information about pandemic flu planning efforts in our community. You can get more information about pandemic influenza planning by visiting the following website or visiting your school nurse.
www.Pandemicflu.gov | Polk County Pandemic Influenza Response Plan for Schools 
Vaccines: There are two different types of flu vaccines being discussed this year. One is for seasonal influenza and one is for the new H1N1 influenza virus. The Southeast Polk School District does not endorse or discourage either type of influenza vaccination. Rather, we are relaying information provided to us by the health departments. Parents, along with their health care providers, will need to decide what course of action is best for their students. The Centers for Disease Control provide Vaccine Information Sheets (VISs) which may be accessed at: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/vis/default.htm/ VISs inform vaccine recipients — or their parents or legal representatives — about the benefits and risks of a vaccine. The law requires that VISs be given out whenever certain vaccinations are given.
2/04/10 Update
H1N1 is still circulating in our community, making many people sick and hospitalizing and killing some. Because of this it is important that as many people are fully vaccinated as possible and there is an adequate supply of vaccine available.
Kids under 10 need two doses of the vaccine to be fully protected. Polk County Health Department records indicate that there are over 11,000 kids in Polk County who still need their second dose of H1N1 vaccine. These kids received some protection from the first dose but the purpose is to �prime� their immune system for the second dose that will give them full protection against H1N1.
Children under 10 should receive their second dose of H1N1 vaccine at least 28 days after the first dose. Clinics are being held at Moore Elementary School, 52nd & Douglas in Des Moines, Monday through Friday from 11:00-6:30 and Saturdays from 10:00-2:00. Vaccinations are free and there are minimal lines and wait time. Handicap accessibility and a seated waiting area are available. Call 515-323-5330 for more information.
Sarah M. Tompkins, MPH, CHES
Health Educator, Polk County Health Department
Additional information:
- Call the Polk County Health Department at 515-286-3798 (press 6)
- Call the Iowa Department of Public Health hotline at 1-800-447-1985
- Letter from the Health Department for Children at High Risk for Flu Complications
- FAQ - H1N1 and Children
- FAQ from Polk County Health Dept.