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Fall SNOI conference
Conference time is fast approaching. The annual SNOI conference will be held in Meridian, Idaho at the Hampton Inn October 2 & 3, 2008. Participants will learn about ADHD, Asthma, Addictions, Immunizations, Bone health, stress and more. To register, check the SNOI website for registration. Mail registration to Cathy Brown, 11725 W Ginger Creek, Boise, ID 83713. A block of rooms has been reserved at the Hampton Inn, in Meridian. Call (208) 887-3600 for reservations (call by 9/24/08)
Immunizations
Just a reminder, as many of you know, beginning this year all schools will be required to report the Varicella, Hep A, Td/Tdap booster, and Meningococcal vaccination status of all seventh grade students. Remember, these are not required for school entry in Idaho, but are recommended by national experts. Idaho is one of 3 states that does not have a Varicella school or childcare mandate. 11 states require Hepatitis A for school or childcare, however, Idaho is not one of them. According to the 2006- 2007 State
of Idaho School Immunization Report, both Hepatitis A and Varicella immunization rates are <90%. In addition, exemption rates rose slightly in Kindergarten and first grade levels, with an increased number of parents choosing a personal exemption for their children. Idaho has one of the most permissive exemption laws in the U.S., which contributes to lower immunization rates.
Flu shot season begins this month, and for the first time vaccination is being pushed for virtually all children, not just those under 5 or with chronic health conditions. Any parent or school nurse can attest that children are germ factories! New studies show that every 1 percent increase in the child population brought a 4% increase in adult ER visits. If we can inoculate the children, it is hoped that we can limit transmission, especially to the
elderly who account for most of the 36,000 flu caused deaths each winter. While the flu vaccine protects 75-90% of young healthy people, some research suggests that protection may drop to 30% among elderly. So logically, if we can cut down the incidence in the children we may be able to also impact the elderly adult population. (Scientists still urge older adults to keep getting vaccinated too, as some protection is better than none.)
NASN news
NASN is excited about their new and improved Online Continuing Education Learning Center. The Learning Center Offers Free or Discounted Enrollment to NASN Members! NASN members pay nothing or pay a discounted amount to enroll in an online continuing education program. To receive the special member rate, members must enter a discount code specific to each program. Access this new presentation, member discount codes and a complete index of programs in NASN's Online Continuing Education at: http://www.nasn.org/Default.aspx?tabid=111
Whom to Contact
Tiffany Ahlefed, SNOI President ahlefeld.tiffany@meridianschools.org
MaryLou Cunningham, Co-editor mcunningham@bk.org
Linda Miller, Co-editor lmiller@bk.org
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