Getting Your Child Vaccinated Against the 2009 H1N1 and Seasonal Flu – Letter #1 to send to parents

November 04, 2009 5:45 PM ET

• This template can be customized and used as a letter, e-mail, flyer in the office, announcement on your website or in another creative way to reach parents of children with high risk conditions. 
• Coordinate efforts with your local health department before distributing this letter or e-mail communication to ensure that all information is timely, relevant and accurate

Dear Parent,

We hope this letter finds you and your family well.  To do our part in preventing the spread of 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu, we are encouraging all parents to get their child (6 months of age and older) vaccinated.  In addition, we are encouraging all parents and caregivers of babies under 6 months of age to be vaccinated.

All children younger than 5 years old, but especially children younger than 2 years old,  are considered to be at higher risk of medical complications from 2009 H1N1 and seasonal flu. 

Your child may also be at risk if he or she has one of the following:

• Asthma
• Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain; spinal cord; peripheral nerve; and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability (mental retardation), moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].  
• Chronic  lung disease (such as cystic fibrosis)
• Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure)  
• Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
• Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
• Kidney disorders
• Liver disorders
• Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
• Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids) 

The 2009 H1N1 monovalent and seasonal flu vaccines are now available.  Please contact [enter local health department/or vaccine carrier information here] to schedule an appointment or find out more information on the 2009 H1N1 monovalent and seasonal flu vaccine.  For more information about flu, call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu or www.flu.gov.

Thank you,