H1N1 Update—December 14, 2009

In Narragansett, we have had three very successful school based clinics. On November 3, 82% of our K-4 school population received vaccinations. On November 9, 78% of our Grade 9-12 students were vaccinated. On December 4, at the Pier School, 81% of the students in Grades 5-8 were vaccinated.

We anticipate a second clinic for children ages 5-9 to be held sometime in January at Narragansett Elementary School. We do not have any further information at this time, but will be sure to inform you after the New Year.

Our school attendance rates have been generally good for this time of the year. Before the clinics, we did have some weeks with close to 8% absence. Since that time, however, absentee rates have been closer to 5%, with a low of 3.98% for the first week of December. Our staff absentee rate has been low as well. You can continue to monitor our attendance rates for each school at www.ride.ri.gov under Schools/School and District Reports/Daily Attendance.

We hope that our general good health continues, but we remind everyone to practice preventative measures, especially frequent hand washing and proper coughing techniques. Stay home if you are not well! This also helps us to limit the spread of the flu.