Agency, schools offering vaccines

Topeka Capital-Journal, The, Oct 2, 2008 by Barbara Hollingsworth

By Barbara Hollingsworth

THE CAPITAL-JOURNAL

Between reading and math this fall, thousands of Shawnee County students will roll up their sleeves for a flu shot.

For the first time, the Shawnee County Health Agency and the county's public schools are working together to vaccinate children who quickly pass influenza germs between each other at school and then bring them home to share with their families.

"They're hoping there will be less flu outbreak in the entire community," said Julie Putnam, coordinator of nursing services in Topeka Unified School District 501.

Starting in October, children can receive the optional influenza vaccination in school-based clinics. Clinics are being scheduled in schools in USD 501, Auburn-Washburn USD 437, Shawnee Heights USD 450, Seaman USD 345, Silver Lake USD 372, and in Rossville Elementary and Rossville Jr.-Sr. High schools.

Targeting students makes sense, said Gianfranco Pezzino, Shawnee County health officer. In recent years, he said health officials have learned that children remain contagious longer than adults. And once they have the flu, they are worse than adults about covering their mouths when they sneeze or cough. Trends, he said, show that children are the first to become ill with the flu.

Pezzino said the effort aims to reach about 6,000 children, which would mean ordering additional vaccine. Already, the health agency has increased its vaccination order. By taking the clinics to schools, he said, the health agency can more easily reach children.

"They are already there ready to go," he said. "It's more convenient for parents. They don't have to take time off and take kids to the doctor's office. It is a more efficient way to reach as many kids as we can."

The Shawnee County vaccination clinics may be the first effort in Kansas for a county health agency to offer the flu vaccine in all of its public schools, although smaller efforts have taken place, Pezzino said.

During the past two years, Auburn-Washburn offered flu vaccination clinics, but had planned to scrap them before collaborating with the county health agency. On its own, the district had trouble making the program work, said Ann Elliott, director of student services. Working with the health agency also allows for coverage of students who receive Medicaid benefits.

"It takes us out of the coordinating role, and that allows the health agency to be the lead medical agency, which is what we were missing," she said.

The health agency has expertise that puts it in a better position to coordinate the effort, Pezzino said. Working with the health agency gets schools beyond hurdles, including the ordering of vaccinations, administering the shots and billing Medicaid.

Some of the school districts have previously worked with the health agency to offer required vaccinations, such as the tetanus booster. The flu shot isn't required.

"They are tremendous folks to work with," said Chris Tuck, Seaman's health services director. "We are just excited to get our kids healthier."

Already, Tuck said the district is receiving positive feedback from parents, although she isn't sure what turnout will be. Lesli Clark, spokeswoman for the health agency, said the agency expects around 25 percent.

The health agency and schools will be tracking the results.

"Who knows what the flu season will bring?" asked Debbie Glenn, Shawnee Heights health team leader. "At least we'll have a few more covered."

Barbara Hollingsworth can be reached at (785) 295-1285 or

barbara.hollingsworth@cjonline.com.