School-based flu shots @ BEA

BEA Schools are partnering with United Hospital District Clinics to provide flu shots to our students in Kindergarten through Grade 12.  Shots will be given at school, during the school day on October 8, 2020.  

Want your child to participate?  Complete, sign and return a consent form to the school office by October 6.  Blank consent forms were sent home with all students this past week, but you may also print consent forms from this link.

If you would like more information on the flu vaccine, please see the CDC’s Vaccine Information Statement.

Flu vaccination is the best tool we have in our toolbelt as we work to fight the flu!  

Where can families get flu shots?

Medical clinics, hospitals and some pharmacies offer the flu vaccine.  It’s always best to call first, especially given the extra precautions being taken due to Covid-19.

Signs & symptoms of flu 

Signs & symptoms of influenza include: fever, headache, fatigue, cough, sore throat, body aches.  If you are keeping your child home because of influenza-like-illness, please mention this when you call the school to report the absence.  If your child has symptoms consistent with Covid-19 infection, all school-aged children should remain at home until more is known about the cause of the illness. 

Many of the symptoms of influenza overlap with symptoms of Covid-19 infection.  Children might be co-tested for both influenza and Covid-19.  If someone in your household has a Covid-19 test because of their symptoms, all children should remain home from school until results are shared with you. 

If your child has a diagnosed case of influenza: 

Children should stay home from school if they have a fever greater than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit.  They should stay home  until they have been fever-free (without the help of fever-reducing medicine) for 24 hours.  They should also stay home from school until they have had no episodes of vomiting and/or diarrhea for 24 hours, and are feeling well enough to participate in day-to-day school activities.

This can be tricky, especially in the midst of a global pandemic!  You may call and speak with me any time and I can help you figure out next steps.

Take care,

Ann Crofton, RN, MS

Licensed School Nurse

Covid-19 Program Coordinator

Blue Earth Area Schools