‘Stop Flu at School’ Kicks Off

More than a half-million flu vaccinations have been administered through the Stop Flu at School program since 2007 and First Lady Dawn Ige, along with Dr. Virginia Pressler, Director of Heath, and Dr. Sarah Park, State Epidemiologist, recognized both public and private organizations who contributed to the milestone achievement.

In a Wednesday recognition ceremony, the ninth year of the school-located influenza vaccination program kicked off. More than 65,000 students are protected each year from the flu through the program.

“We are immensely proud of this program, which is the only one of its kind in the nation, in providing free flu vaccinations to elementary and middle school children in more than 300 public, private, and charter schools statewide,” said Dr. Pressler. “Counties in other states have conducted similar programs, but we are the only one to provide this service statewide.”

Students at elementary and middle schools on the Big Island and throughout the state will receive information packets and vaccination consent forms through their school. Parents who wish to have their children vaccinated through the Stop Flu at School program are required to complete the consent form and return it to their school by Sept. 4. Parents can also fill out an online form, but need to print, sign, and date the form and return it by deadline.

“This program is extremely important and the single most effective way to protect our keiki, our schools and communities from the flu. It’s free and it’s easy, and I encourage parents to ensure their children are protected,” said Ige.

Clinics will be held in October and November.

To learn more about the Stop Flu at School or to download translated consent forms, visit the Stop Flu at School website or call the Aloha United Way’s information and referral service at 211.

Click here to review a full list of participating public and private schools.