For Schools

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NM Department of Health Recommendations for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year

On August 7, 2009, CDC released its Guidance for State and Local Public Health Officials and School Administrators for School (K-12) Responses to Influenza during the 2009-2010 School Year. The guide is designed to reduce exposure to flu (including H1N1) without major disruptions at school. The CDC no longer recommends that schools be closed only because H1N1 flu is diagnosed in a student or school employee. Based on the current CDC guidance, the NM DOH recommends all schools take these specific actions this school year, based on the severity of the flu season.

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Preparing for the Flu: A Toolkit for NM Schools

Preparing for the Flu: A Toolkit for NM Schools provides information and resources to help school administrators respond to challenges created by the H1N1 flu.  The kit is being delivered to administrators statewide.  Its contents are also available below

The toolkit includes:

3 Fact Sheets to Inform Schools, Teachers, and Nurses

Steps for NM Schools to Prevent the Spread of Flu - (9/2/09)

Steps for NM Teachers to Prevent the Spread of Flu - (9/2/09)

Hand Hygiene for Schools/Links to Posters

4 Fact Sheets to Inform Parents

For Parents to Protect Children from Flu - (9/2/09)

Recomendaciones del Departamento de Salud de Nuevo Mexico para las escuelas (K-12) para responder a la gripe durante el año escolar 2009-2010 - (9/2/09)

For Parents if School is Dismissed - (9/2/09)

Medidas que los padres de familia deben tomar si se cierra la escuela o si los niños se enferman y se deben de quedar en la casa - (9/02/09)

For Parents of High Risk Children - (9/2/09)

Medidas que los padres de familia deben tomar si sus niños están en alto riesgo de complicaciones si contraen la gripe - (9/02/09)

Talking to Children About Swine Flu (H1N1: A Parent Resource)
(To help parents stay calm and reassuring)

Template Letter (or E-mail) for Schools to Send to Parents - (Updated 9/3/09)

Steps the School is Taking

Ejemplo de carta o correo electronico para los padres de familia sobre las medidas que la escuela esta tomando durante las condiciones actuales del la gripe

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Forms

2009 H1N1 Parental Consent English -- Generic.pdf - (12/16/09)

2009 H1N1 Parental Consent Spanish -- Generic.pdf - (12/16/09)

2009 H1N1 Parental Consent English - May be Customized.pdf - (12/16/09)

2009 H1N1 Parental Consent Spanish -- May be Customized.pdf - (12/16/09)

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Important Links for More Information

CDC Technical Report
www.flu.gov/plan/school/k12techreport.html

H1N1 Guidance for School Officials from the CDC http://www.flu.gov/plan/school/index.html

PED H1N1 Information
www.ped.state.nm

More  Posters for Schools about Flu Prevention
www.flu.gov/plan/school/posters.html

Main CDC and US Health and Human Services Websites

www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/

www.flu.gov

New Mexico Public Education Department: www.sde.state.nm.us/press/2009/h1n1/index.html