State health officials look at potential swine flu outbreaks

Flagstaff, AZ – State health officials have given school districts guidelines for how to deal with potential swine flu outbreaks this fall. The 10-page guidance memo from the Department of Education gives districts and charter schools guidelines for how to prepare, respond and recover from a pandemic. Recommendations include emergency response plans, school closure and recovery plans, and continuing education for students kept home for long periods because of the flu. Across the state, public health officials are working with school districts to help plan mass vaccination clinics. However, a vaccine for the swine flu isn't expected to be ready until mid-October.