The Department of Health and Environmental Control will soon be giving out H1N1 vaccinations in area schools.
Parents have the option of whether or not their child will receive the vaccine in school.
Some parents and school nurses say the vaccines will offer a convenient alternative for students whose parents cannot make it to the clinic or doctor's office.
When it comes to the H1N1 virus, young children are especially at risk.
"We realize that the schools are being hit very heavily in some areas with the H1N1 virus," said DHEC regional epidemiologist Ann Austin.
That's why DHEC officials made plans to start vaccinations inside area schools.
The vaccinations will begin during the second week of November, and DHEC officials plan to vaccinate as many children as possible in elementary schools before the Christmas break.
DHEC officials will then begin vaccinations for middle and high school students.
Many parents and school nurses say the in-school vaccinations will be a convenient alternative for parents with busy schedules.
"I thought it was a good idea that they were going to offer the H1N1 vaccination in schools because it's convenient, it saves me time in getting off from work, plus having to take them to the doctor and take them out of school," said parent Chevanique Windley.
School Nurse Beth Holzbach said parents will decide whether or not their children will receive the vaccinations, and also have the option to have their children vaccinated in a clinic or doctor's office if they choose to do so. Holzbach did say though, that the in-school vaccinations would provide a measure of convenience for some parents.
"Just because of work schedules for our population, sometimes it's impossible to have the time to get off to go to a clinic or schedule it somewhere else," Holzbach said. "Obviously we're not discouraging them to seek medical care from their health provider if they choose, this is just an alternate source for them to receive the vaccine."
To get more information on whether or not your child's school will offer the vaccination and when, simply contact your local school or district.
The H1N1 vaccine is available at DHEC by appointment only to select groups, including school aged children and is free of charge. H1N1 vaccine clinics are scheduled for Thursday, Friday and Saturday in Florence. DHEC officials will be administering the vaccine to at-risk groups after business hours Thursday at the regional office on East Cheves Street in Florence.
On Friday, the shot will be administered throughout the day; Saturday, the shot will be given from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information on the DHEC H1N1 vaccine clinics, call the regional office at (843) 661-4835.
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