SUNNYVALE, Calif. – School-age children are up to four times more likely to catch the flu than adults. To help protect our kids, Sunnyvale’s Columbia Neighborhood Center (CNC), has partnered with the Sunnyvale School District to offer free influenza vaccinations using FluMist^® nasal vaccine.

The vaccinations will be held October 25 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., November 5 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. and November 22 from 3 p.m. – 6 p.m., at CNC, 785 Morse Ave. This vaccine is only available to students and staff of Sunnyvale School District. Availability is limited, and is on a first-come, first-served basis. FluMist is an influenza vaccine that uses a weakened form of the influenza virus to help provide protection from the flu. FluMist is given as a nasal spray, so it does not require an injection.

Nurses and medical assistants from MayView Community Health Center and El Camino Hospital will administer the vaccine. Both agencies provide ongoing health services at the Columbia Neighborhood Center. FluMist is being donated by the manufacturer, MedImmune Vaccines Inc., which is providing the free nasal flu vaccine to schools as a public health initiative.

Brochures containing answers to frequently-asked questions regarding FluMist will be available at the school office. Please see the Patient Information in the brochure, visit flumist.com, or call (877) 633-4411 for additional information. Ask your health care professional if FluMist is right for you and your family.

For your child to qualify for this immunization opportunity, please accompany your child to one of the clinic dates. No child will be vaccinated without a parent or guardian present. More information is available by calling CNC at (408) 523-8150.