Upcoming Flu Clinic For Newtown School Kids

By Eliza Hallabeck

District School Nursing Supervisor Dee Cupole said students, staff, and parents attending the October 16 flu clinic for Newtown School students, sponsored and run by the Danbury VNA at Newtown Middle School, will be vaccinated for both H1N1, commonly known as swine flu, and for seasonal flu.

“It’s a one-shot deal,” said Ms Cupole this week. “So it’s important.”

Especially for students, Ms Cupole said, getting a flu shot can prevent them from having to take time off of their daily lives, like missing important academic work.

Roughly 400 people attended the clinic last year, said Ms Cupole. Both the district and the VNA try to get the information out to as many people as possible.

“Stay healthy, get your shot,” said Ms Cupole to students, staff, and parents thinking of attending the event.

The clinic will be held Saturday, October 16, in Newtown Middle School’s cafeteria, 11 Queen Street, from 10 am until 1 pm. Parents who wish to be vaccinated are also eligible.

Most insurance will be accepted, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, CIGNA, ConnectiCare, Health Net, Oxford, United, and HUSKY (for kids only). New this year, parents can book an appointment online at www.DanburyVNA.org by clicking Schedule Your Flu Shot Appointment Online. Register and look up Newtown School Kids Clinic to sign up.

By going online, people who intend to go can also save time by getting the forms to filled out before going to the clinic. Walk-ins will also be welcome during the event, according to the notice.

Flu shots will be administered by the Danbury VNA, and funding for the program is possible through a grant from Say Boo To The Flu, a Visiting Nurse Association of America program.