The Panther Valley School District, in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, is providing the opportunity for the children in the district to receive the H1N1influenza vaccine at no cost to parents. The school district has taken the steps that the state required in order to pre-register for the vaccine or a time table for when it will be available. In order to be prepared for the administration of the vaccine, all children in the district will receive papers to be taken home that explain who should receive the vaccine, a vaccination information sheet, and a consent form. Guidelines from the state recommend that persons that fall into the following targeted groups receive the H1N1 vaccine:

- All persons 6 months to 24 years;- Household contacts with children under 6 months;- Pregnant women;- Adults 65 years with medical conditions;- All healthcare workers and EMS personnel;The school district is asking all parents to read the information sent home and fill out the consent form. There is an opportunity to give consent for your child to receive the vaccine or deny consent. They are asking that all forms be returned by Friday October 30, 2009 regardless of whether your child will or will not be receiving the vaccine. It is the hope of the district that by participating in the vaccination program, it will help curb the spread of the H1N1 flu and reduce the chance of students in the Panther Valley School District School District becoming infected.