Illinois Will Send a Flu Letter Home with Children

Illinois' top education and health officials have issued a "Dear Parent'' letter recommending seasonal flu vaccinations for all school children in the state. The letter also urges parents to get their kids vaccinated against the H1N1 flu virus when that vaccine becomes available this fall.

It's aimed at parents of children in the state's nearly 4,000 public K-through-12 schools, plus private schools. The letter is posted online in English and Spanish, signed by state Education Superintendent Christopher Koch and Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon Arnold. They're urging schools to include it in back-to-school materials for parents.

The letter urges parents to talk to their doctors or local health department about where to obtain flu shots or nasal spray vaccines, although many schools eventually will offer them.