RN Stacy Henderson gives a flu shot to 3-year-old Seth Futch while his dad, Christopher, holds him at the Catoosa County Health Department in this file photo.SCHOOLS CLOSEDBledsoe County schools — Closed Monday and Tuesday after 18 percent of students were out sick.Etowah City School — Closed on Friday after 23 percent of students were out sick.Van Buren County schools — Closed on Dec. 5-7 after 18 percent of students were out sick.All the above school systems expect to be open today, officials said.WHERE TO GET VACCINATEDFlu vaccines are available at local health departments, most pharmacies, health care clinics and doctor’s offices. Many insurance plans cover the cost of vaccine. Many county health departments in Tennessee are offering free vaccinations, although Hamilton County is not.
With bus drivers too sick to drive, teachers too sick to teach and students too sick to learn, several regional schools are surrendering school days to the flu in hopes of curbing the virus’ rampant spread among children.
A powerful strain of the flu has crippled several school systems throughout Tennessee, forcing them to close their doors to disinfect buildings and allow the illness to take its course while students, faculty and staff recover at home.
Bledsoe County Schools closed Monday and Tuesday after 328 children in the 2,000-student system were absent Friday, along with 28 teachers and several bus drivers, said Jennifer Terry, schools director.
“We’re a real small district, so it’s hard to find substitutes — especially for that many,” Terry said.