Ala. schools getting nasal H1N1 vaccine

MOBILE, Ala. - Alabama Health officials say there has been no let up of the swine flu in the state, and schools are the hardest hit.

"There is no evidence this is going to be over anytime soon," said State Health Officer Dr. Don Williamson.

That was the word from Dr. Williamson at the news briefing in Montgomery Wednesday morning.

Williamson said the state has 90,000 doses of the swine flu vaccine for schools throughout the state. But it may not be the vaccine some school systems want.

"We are going to be offering in the schools nasal mist, and like, let me be clear, there are some children who should not get nasal mist," Williamson said.

Williamson pointed out children under two years of age and those with long term health problems should not take the vaccine. But he said it is safe for everyone else.

School systems have received information packets, including consent forms, that will be sent to parents.

"Let me encourage parents to pay attention to the packets, read the packets. We have it in English and Spanish," Williamson said.

The vaccinations will begin the week of November 30 for children 10 and under. Older children will be vaccinated after the Christmas break.

State school superintendent Dr. Joe Morton said parents will have options about when the child is vaccinated.

"Each school will have at least one clinic during the school day. There may be other clinics offered for after school," Dr. Morton said.

Mary Dean has two children in the school system. She says she'll definitely sign the consent form.

"But I think it's a great idea, so many children miss so much school," Dean said.

But some, like Suzy Ginsberg, are still undecided.

"I think my daughter already was exposed to it, and had it. So, I'm really not sure should I give it to her or not," she said.

FOX10 News checked with a couple of local schools Wednesday. They said they had not received the consent forms.

They'll be sent out from the central office.