H1N1 vaccines scheduled this week

PANAMA CITY — Bay County Health Department officials released the schedule Friday for the next round of school-based clinics for the swine flu vaccine.

Since Oct. 22 more than 8,000 doses of H1N1 vaccines have been given to 17 schools through the school-based clinics. About half of the students are getting vaccinated, Superintendent Bill Husfelt said.

Students at the chosen schools will be sent home with a letter explaining the vaccine and a consent form that needs to be signed. The forms are reviewed by a nurse before a decision is made as to whether the student will receive a nasal spray or a shot.

The most common questions parents had were about potential side effects of the vaccine and if parents should ask for the nasal spray or the shot, said Kerry Hunt, the community health nursing director.

The shot is used for patients who have chronic illnesses, allergies, asthma or are at least 50 years old. Students under age 10 will be sent home with an additional consent form to receive an additional dosage of the vaccine when the school clinics return to schools for a second pass.

Potential risks for both forms of the vaccine, which have been deemed extremely small, include runny nose, fever, headache and other similar flu-like symptoms.

VACCINE SCHEDULE

Monday, Nov. 16
Everitt Middle School and Bay Haven Charter

Tuesday, Nov. 17
Jinks Middle School

Wednesday, Nov. 18
Mowat Middle School

Thursday, Nov. 19
Merritt Brown Middle School

Friday, Nov. 20
Bay High School