Schools to take on H1N1 case-by-case

In preparation for the upcoming flu season, the Yuma County health director said schools will take actions such as closures on a case-by-case basis.

Yuma County Health Director Becky Brooks said county staff has been in continued contact with representatives from Yuma County school districts about the H1N1 virus, also known as swine flu.

She said after another discussion Monday, they've decided to take measures on a case-by-case basis.

Brooks said schools have been collecting attendance data and will look at that to gauge whether or not there is a trend in student absences and, in conjunction with the health department, determine if those absences are flu-related.

Representatives with the districts are collecting data now. "That's so we can keep an eye on those numbers," Brooks said.

She said taking a look at "spikes" in absences would trigger representatives with the schools to look closer at the reason.

The virus is still mild, Brooks said, and if that changes or there are abnormalities in school attendance throughout Yuma County, then the health district would meet again with school representatives and share information.

"The virus still remains a mild virus; there are a number of guidances out there should the severity go up," Brooks said, referring to guidance she said the county has received from both the state health department as well as the Centers for Disease Control.

"Right now, we're kind of in watch mode and if anything comes up that's suspicious, we'll come to the table to discuss either that particular school or that particular area."

Brooks said they are "trying not to close the schools" because of the social interruption and the potential impact on the community.

But if it is necessary, they will close schools, she said.

She said she's very pleased with the work that representatives within the Yuma County school districts are already doing.

"The schools have done an excellent job of having prevention plans in place," she said. "They're working on policies (and) working with the Arizona Department of Education.

"They've really done a dynamite job; I'm really impressed."

Later this school year, Brooks said Yuma County schoolchildren will have the opportunity to get vaccinated for the H1N1 virus through the Mollen Clinic, which is a company that normally comes in the district to do seasonal flu vaccinations.

"They'll come in and take care of the schools," Brooks said.

She said the county staff has given the information to the schools, and it's up to the school to contact Mollen and set up meetings.

County staff will travel to a meeting in Phoenix Thursday to learn more about how the state will distribute the H1N1 vaccine, which is expected some time in October, with the first vaccines going toward top priority groups such as children and adults under 25.

At the meeting, Brooks said staff will learn how much Yuma County should expect for the first shipment and how to prioritize vaccinations.

"After (the first shipment), we're going to be getting a shipment every 10 days to two weeks and getting more out to our providers," Brooks said.

Yuma County might receive an additional form of the vaccine, a nasal mist, although nothing is confirmed yet, she said. The nasal mist form is designated for healthy adults, Brooks said.

So if Yuma County does receive that type, it will most likely be provided for health care workers, first responders and other healthy adults who will likely be in contact with the H1N1 virus. Brooks said she expects to know more after the meeting Thursday.

Wednesday, the Arizona Department of Health Services released information for health care providers on how to request the H1N1 flu vaccine. For more information on how they can do so, visit www.azdhs.gov/flu/h1n1/vaccine.htm.