“Sid the Science Kid” show to explain the science behind flu vaccinations

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, and Lisa Henson, CEO of the Jim Henson Company, will join Washington-area school children for a screening of the new “Sid the Science Kid” special episode on the flu at the U.S. Department of Education Auditorium.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Association for Prevention Teaching and Research worked with the Henson Company and its partners to create a special episode of PBS KIDS’ “Sid the Science Kid,” in which Sid explores the science behind flu vaccinations.

“In this special episode, Sid explains how vaccines work and shows millions of children what they can do to prevent the spread of the flu,” said Secretary Sebelius. “Sid will be a great messenger as we continue to find new and creative ways to reach out to children, adults, and families about how to stay healthy during flu season.”

“As both the Secretary of Education and a parent, I want to keep our children safe, healthy, and learning this flu season,” said Secretary Duncan. “We know that young people are more likely to be affected by H1N1, and getting vaccinated is the best protection available. Having Sid the Science Kid help deliver that message to children across the country will be a tremendous help.”

“Sid the Science Kid explores the science behind the everyday experiences of a preschooler and we know that getting a shot can be scary for many children,” said Lisa Henson, CEO of the Jim Henson Company. “This special episode is an opportunity for us to help kids understand why they are getting a shot while providing parents and caregivers with helpful resources to handle this important issue.”

The episode will premiere on PBS on Monday, Oct. 26, 2009, with subsequent airings through December. Online “Sid the Science Kid” games about vaccination and additional information on the special episode will be available at PBSKIDS.org/sid.

Those looking for vaccine now should start at www.flu.gov, the government-wide one-stop Web site for information about the flu.

On www.flu.gov, you can find vaccine location information, early warning signs of the flu, self-evaluation tools to help you check your symptoms, and phone numbers for state and local public health offices that can give people even more information. In the coming weeks, parents and families are going to start to hear about more pharmacies, schools, doctors’ offices, and retailers providing vaccines.