EL schools prepare for H1N1 flu clinics
By MICHAEL D. McELWAIN/mmcelwain@reviewonline.comEAST LIVERPOOL - One local school administrator wants the parents of school children to start thinking about the H1N1 vaccination since some decisions are needed soon.
"I do recommend to all our parents of school-aged children to start formulating a decision on if they are going to have their child involved in any school-based vaccination program," Ken Halbert said. "The parents really need to make a decision."
As superintendent of the East Liverpool City Schools District, Halbert had been communicating often with county health district officials and John Dawson, school nurse, among others.
A school-based H1N1 vaccine clinic is growing more likely, but Halbert said the exact dates are unknown. "We expect if this program occurs here in the school, it will be within the first two weeks in November," Halbert said. "It looks likely that it's going to happen."
According to information from Columbiana County Health District officials, all 12 public schools in the county, including the county's Career and Tech Center, have provided the agency with copies of their health emergency planning. Also, the school districts have entered into an agreement that will permit the health district to use school facilities as points of dispensing the vaccine in the event of a mass clinic to provide immunizations or medication to students or local residents.
Some doses of the H1N1 vaccine have made their way to the local area, but they have been or will be administered to specific target groups including pregnant women and health care and emergency services personnel with direct patient contact.
Some first responder EMTs already received the H1N1 nasal flu mist vaccine last week at clinics near Calcutta and Columbiana. Health care workers and EMTs who didn't already receive the vaccine can attend other free clinics this week and next.
The vaccine comes in two forms - the live, attenuated, nasal spray vaccine and the inactivated flu shot.
"For the schools, we're being told it's not going to be the nasal spray mist," Halbert said. "These will be the flu shots with a needle."
Receiving the 2009 H1N1 vaccine will be voluntary and free, according to Halbert and information from the county health district.
More than 50 H1N1 vaccine providers have been registered with the county health department, so parents will likely have alternatives other than a school-based clinic, Halbert said. The vaccine will be available at some pharmacies and doctor offices.
In the meantime, the East Liverpool schools are trying to keep ahead and proactive.
"Every week, we are disinfecting every horizontal surface and wherever possible," Halbert said. "We're being especially careful to disinfect desks, door handles and drinking fountains. We also give students good lessons on healthy behavior."
The school district will "defer somewhat" to county health district officials when a clinic is offered. "We will be providing space and time, but the staff from the county health department will be heading up the effort," Halbert said.
The vaccine clinics will likely be offered first to high school students then to middle school and elementary school students, according to Halbert.
Parents will need to give prior approval, and Halbert said he will have to consult with health department officials, but saw no immediate problem with allowing parents to be with a child when vaccinated.
"Unless there is something the health department is concerned about, my first impression is that it's fine with me if parents attend," Halbert said.
More detailed plans are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
