Santa Rosa to administer H1N1 vaccine

SANTA ROSA COUNTY, Fla. - Baldwin and Mobile Counties along with Escambia County Florida all said "no". Santa Rosa County, however, said "yes" to the nasal swine flu vaccine.

Santa Rosa County officials said this form of the vaccine is less traumatic for kids than the injection. Others oppose the use, saying the nasal spray could spread the swine flu because it contains a live virus.

The vaccine is in and isn't staying put for long.

"The first shipment was all nasal spray. We didn't have a choice whether to use the nasal or the injection. That will come in 2-3 weeks," said Deborah Stilphin with the Santa Rosa County Health Department.

Stilphin said it is now ready for distribution starting with schools. Other counties have decided not to use the nasal form of the vaccine in schools in fear that it might spread the virus.

Santa Rosa County Superintendent Tim Wyrosdick said the school system has worked closely with parents on educating them about this form of the vaccine.

"We certainly have those parents who say I don't want my child to have it and we respect that but I think as far as them understanding it has been a very proactive effort," said Wyrosdick.

Of course no child will be given the vaccine without parental consent. Wyrosdick said he hopes that the school system will be able to offer the vaccine at the elementary level soon. He also said receiving the vaccine nasally isn't as traumatic as if the child was receiving it by injection.

Deborah Stilphin said for those parents who question what's best for their child, the best thing to do is call their primary physician.