Box Elder School District

Dr. Steven O. Laing, Superintendent

August 31, 2009

TO: Parents & Students in the Box Elder School District:

FROM: Superintendent Steven O. Laing

SUBJECT: H1N1 Virus

As you are aware H1N1 (Swine Flu) continues to spread across the United States and the world. Fortunately most of the cases have been relatively mild. The school district and the Bear River Health Department are working closely to develop plans for this fall that we hope will slow the spread of the virus among our students.

Everyone can help reduce the spread of this disease by:

· Keeping children home when they are sick.

· Covering their nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or coughing or sneezing into their sleeve if a tissue is not available).

· Frequently washing hands with soap and water, or using hand sanitizer if hand washing with soap and water is not possible.

The H1N1 virus has been shown to affect school-aged children more than other groups and children are known to be more likely to spread flu viruses especially in school and other group settings. It is anticipated that a vaccine will be available for H1N1 sometime in mid October; National Center for Disease Control is currently recommending that school age children K-12 and staff are a priority to receive the vaccine.

Our agencies have been working to identify the best way to provide this vaccine to students and staff. Once the vaccine program is approved, schools will be used as vaccination sites. This is not a mandatory vaccine; however it will provide direct protection against this virus. More information and consent forms will be provided as the vaccine becomes available.

For more information on H1N1 please visit the Bear River Health Department’s website at www.brhd.org.