Pinellas schools to start H1N1 vaccinations

Here's the release we received from the Pinellas County Health Department:

As part of a collaborative effort between Pinellas County Schools and the Pinellas County Health Department, H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations will begin on Monday, Nov. 9. To minimize disruptions during the school day, one school location, Madeira Beach Fundamental School, 591 Tom Stuart Causeway, will be available for media opportunities from 9-10 a.m.

The H1N1 vaccine program is voluntary and requires a completed screening form and signed parent consent form. Vaccines will be offered at elementary, middle and high schools, as well as charter schools. Parents of elementary students are encouraged to be present when their children receive the immunization. The program is expected to be completed within a two-week period, prior to the Thanksgiving holiday break.

Schools have distributed parent information packets, and families were alerted through a series of automated phone calls. H1N1 vaccine information, along with the schedule of school clinics, is available on the PCS News section of the district website, www.pcsb.org.

Parents who have questions or concerns about the vaccine should call the Pinellas County Health Department, 727-824-6964.