Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona addresses reporters at a news conference announcing the Stop Flu at School program. (Photo courtesy of The Lt. Governor's Office)
MEDIA RELEASE
Lt. Gov. James “Duke” Aiona has announced at a news conference with health and education officials the start of a major campaign aimed at preventing the seasonal flu from spreading among children ages 5 to 13.
The statewide voluntary effort, in its third year, has taken on new urgency as the seasonal flu makes its annual return this fall amid concerns among public health officials that novel H1N1 influenza, or swine flu, may affect many schools this fall.
“The campaign is critical this year with the state experiencing higher than usual flu activity this summer,” Aiona said. “Vaccinating our children will help protect them and reduce the spread of seasonal influenza in our communities. I urge parents to take advantage of this convenient and free program.”
Last year, more than 62,000 students from an estimated 330 schools statewide were vaccinated.Â
Consent forms sent to parents are due Sept. 11, Â when participants will also have the opportunity to sign up for the Hawai`i Immunization Registry.Â
More information about the program is available at www.stopfluatschool.com, or by calling Aloha United Way’s 2-1-1 hotline.
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