The Central Lincoln County School System (AOS 93) will hold an informational meeting to update parents on H1N1 (swine flu) and the vaccine on Thurs., Oct. 8 at 6:30 pm. 8 at Great Salt Bay School.
In addition to Supt. Robert Bouchard, speakers will include Dr. Andy Ross and Dr. Steve Feder of Salt Bay Pediatrics.
Bouchard said Maine state health officials have not made firm plans to distribute the vaccine, as they do not know when it will be widely available.
“I wish I could tell you more,” said Bouchard who said he and the physicians will provide the latest available information on the ailment and the vaccine.
Two Lincoln County schools have confirmed that two students have been infected with H1N1.
Linda Cosgrove RN, the school nurse at Bristol Consolidated School, confirmed one student has come down with the swine flu.
Lincoln Academy Head of School Jay Pinkerton confirmed one of his students has also been affected by the same ailment.
At both schools, officials say they have been taking precautions suggested by the Maine Center for Disease Control.
“We have told teachers not to bring children together in groups but to keep their desks apart in class. We also warned them to wash their hands, use hand sanitizer and cover their coughs,” Cosgrove said.
The Bristol student’s case was confirmed on Wednesday.
At Lincoln Academy, Pinkerton said school nurse, Erica (Ricki) Waltz, RN, has been a “cheerleader” leading the school through the CDC protocols, he said.
“She has kept us up to date with information from the Maine CDC. We are doing everything they told us to do,” he said.
Bouchard said he is sending a letter home Thursday with students to inform parents the illness has been detected in the schools and advising them on proper precautions.
The letter urges parents to keep children at home if they exhibit flu-like symptoms. Children who have a fever, cough and sore throat will be sent home from school, he said.