We recently learned that manufacturing problems will cause a nationwide delay in the production of FluMist, the intranasal flu vaccine.  Because FluMist is used for our school clinic, our flu clinic must be rescheduled.

Medimmune, the company that makes FluMist, expects to correct this problem by the end of November.  For this reason, we are rescheduling our school's flu clinic for December.  Depending on when the vaccine is ready, it is possible that our clinic may be held as early as November or as late as January.

Important things to know about influenza ("the flu") and the FluMist manufacturing situation:

• The flu is a serious illness. The best way to prevent the flu is through immunization. 
• Most cases of the flu usually happen in February so December and January are not too late to be vaccinated; however,
• You may be able to get Injectable or intranasal vaccine now at your child's doctor's office or community immunizers like pharmacies. 
• If your child gets a flu vaccination or any other type of immunization between now and the school flu clinic, and you have previously consented to have your child vaccinated at school, please alert your school nurse at 410-313-7429.
• We continue to plan for our flu clinic so, if you have not already, please return your child's flu consent form by October 30.  Having these forms will make sure we're ready for the December clinics.  We also will be prepared if FluMist becomes available sooner.

We appreciate your patience and cooperation and will be in touch about the new flu clinic date.  In the meantime, if you have not already, please return your child's FluMist consent form by October 30.