Flu Information
The GISD Health Services Department is committed to providing the latest flu information for our students, staff, and families. Visit this page regularly for updates and resources.
Flu Resources
GISD Flu Memos & Messages
October 29, 2009
H1N1 vaccine (injectable) clinic to be offered by the City of Garland Health Department to certain high risk groups in the community.
The high risk groups are pregnant women and children 6 months to 18 years who have a chronic health condition such as asthma or diabetes. Other qualifying information is included in the attached memo. As more H1N1 vaccine arrives, the Garland Health Department hopes to offer the vaccine to the general public. As of today, the Garland Health Department has not received any addition doses of seasonal flu vaccine.
September 26, 2009
DCHHS School Letter: Increasing Influenza Activity in Dallas County
( Aumento de la actividad de la influenza en el Condado de Dallas )
September 16, 2009
Message from GISD Director of Health Services
The flu is in our community and schools will continue to have students and staff reporting fever, cough, and sore throat.
It is very important that you check your child for signs of illness each morning. If your child has fever, please keep them at home. Contact your doctor for further instructions. Students may return to school when they are fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medications.
If your child is having any of the following symptoms, please seek medical care immediately:
- Difficulty in breathing
- Chest or abdominal pain
- Vomiting and unable to keep down liquids
- Confusion
- Dizziness when standing
- Absence of urination
- Seizures.
- Flu-like symptoms that improve but then return with fever and worse cough
For more information please refer to the flu information sent home with your student at the start of school. Information regarding seasonal flu shot clinics is posted below. Watch this website for further information on the H1N1 vaccine when it comes available in mid-October.
August 31, 2009 - GISD Prepares for Upcoming Flu Season
Seasonal Flu Shot Clinics
It is time for your seasonal flu shot! The clinics are being offered early this year in order for the Garland Health Department to be ready to administer H1N1 vaccine to high risk groups starting mid October. Further informationon the H1N1 vaccine and who is considered high risk will be available in early October.
| Population | Cost |
|---|---|
Children 6 mos to 18 years |
$10.00 - Free to children on Medicaid or CHIP, must bring proof. |
Adults over 18 years |
$20.00 |
Medicare Part B/Medicaid |
Free - Bring Medicare/Medicaid Card or Paperwork |
- Flu Mist will be an option for ages 2-49 at the above cost.
- Pneumonia vaccine for adults will also be available for $40.00.
- Tdap (Tetanus-Diptheria-Pertussis) will be available for $20/adults and $10/children age 11-18.
| Date | Location | Time |
|---|---|---|
| September 2, 2009 | Williams Elementary | 3-5:30 PM |
| September 4, 2009 | LCHS | 3-5:30 PM |
| September 14, 2009 | Carver Elementary | 3-5:30 PM |
| September 16, 2009 | SGHS | 3-5:30 PM |
| September 18, 2009 | NFHS | 3-5:30 PM |
| September 21, 2009 | NGHS | 3-5:30 PM |
| September 23, 2009 | Canceled - Will be rescheduled | |
| September 25, 2009 | Canceled - Will be rescheduled | |
| September 26, 2009 | SEC (Community Health Fair) | 10AM-2PM |
| September 28, 2009 | Canceled - Will be rescheduled | |
| October 7, 2009 | Canceled - Will be rescheduled | 3-5:30 PM |
| October 9, 2009 | Canceled - Will be rescheduled | 3-5:30 PM |
H1N1 vaccine (injectable) clinic to be offered by the City of Garland Health Department to certain high risk groups in the community.
What: H1N1 Vaccine (Injectable) Clinic for Pregnant women and Children 6 months to 18 years old with chronic health conditions.
The intent of the clinic is to provide the vaccine for those without medical insurance, underinsured (insurance does not cover vaccine or has a high deductible) or whose health care provider does not have a supply of vaccine.
When: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM
Where: Special Event Center Conference Center 4999 Naaman Forest Blvd Garland, TX
Cost: Free
Flu FAQs
How can I help prevent my child from getting the flu?
- Teach and model healthy habits at home such as:
- Washing hands for 20 seconds (Sing the” Happy Birthday” song twice)
- Coughing into your elbow
- Keeping hands way from your face
- Using hand sanitizer if hand washing is not convenient
- Get your child a seasonal flu shot now. H1N1 flu vaccine will be available in mid to late October.
- Clean high-touch surfaces in your home on a daily basis. Door knobs and counter tops are high-touch surfaces.
- Practice social distancing when in crowds. This means trying to stay 3 feet away from other people. Avoid large crowds if possible.
- Isolate any sick family members away from healthy family members as much as possible
What can I do if my child appears to have flu symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat?
- Take time to closely observe your child each morning before they leave for school.
- If you child appears ill, keep them home and call the school to report the absence.
- Your child must be fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Motrin in order to return to school. Do not use aspirin.
- Contact your doctor for further instructions. There are antiviral medications available which may lessen the severity of the flu.