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Warrick Co. giving precedence to kids

By Becky Graham - bio | email | Twitter
Posted by Sarah Harlan - email

WARRICK CO., IN (WFIE) - Thousands of doses of the H1N1 nasal mist have been given out at clinics across the state, but the Warrick County Health Department felt their limited shipment would be more effective if it was distributed in a different way.

The Warrick County Health Department will be giving their first 600 doses to kids.

These vaccines will be distributed at three schools Wednesday, and will eventually be in all schools.

"This paper is extremely important because this paper is saying you will get a flu vaccination on Wednesday," first grade teacher Mrs. Sellars said. "This tells mom and dad all information they need to know."

So far, 50 parents have signed on the dotted line, and in two days, Elberfeld students will be the first group in Warrick County to be H1N1 vaccinated.

"I feel, like, very fortunate because I know there are a lot of counties that are awaiting the H1N1 vaccination," Elberfeld Elementary School Principal Lynn Pierce said.

These vaccines will be given to Elberfeld and two other northern Warrick County schools, Tennyson and Lynnville, by the Warrick County Health Department.

The health department decided this distribution plan would be most effective.

"We've received nasal vaccine, and this is most effective for children," Frank Hijuelos with the Warrick County Health Department said. "It loses effectiveness on adults, and since children are a primary concern and a primary target, and since that's where it's most effective, that's why we're targeting the school children."

Hijuelos said there's three things parents need to know.

First of all, students must have a signed permission slip in order to get the vaccine. Secondly, the health department has set aside enough vaccines for the population at all three schools.

Parents need to remember if they decide against the vaccination, they'll have to wait awhile before another opportunity comes along.

"Safety has not been spared on it," Hijuelos said. "It has not been overlooked. This influenza has been examined more than anything else in recent history, and all of the safety precautions have been met so you absolutely need to take advantage of that."

The vaccination will begin at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday and will last until everyone is vaccinated.

The schools are encouraging parents to be present for the vaccination.

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