WALHALLA — Vaccinations for H1N1 will begin next week for all Oconee County elementary students, with middle and high school students to receive theirs at a later date.

Kay Powell, director of school and community relations for the School District of Oconee County, said information packets and consent forms have been sent home with all students. The packet includes a letter from the state Department of Health and Environmental Services, a fact sheet with information about the vaccine and a parental consent form for the H1N1 vaccination.

“If you have any questions about the vaccine or concern about your child receiving the vaccine, you should contact your primary health care provider,” Powell said.

The schedule for the H1N1 flu vaccination clinic in the elementary schools is as follows:

• Blue Ridge Elementary, 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 10 and Dec. 4

• Fair-Oak Elementary, 8:30-11 a.m. on Nov. 13 and Dec. 10

• James M. Brown Elementary, 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 9 and Dec. 4

• Keowee Elementary, 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Nov. 19 and Dec. 15

• Northside Elementary, 8:30-11 a.m. on Nov. 17 and Dec. 11

• Oakway Intermediate, 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Nov. 13 and Dec. 10

• Orchard Park Elementary, 8:30-11 a.m. on Nov. 12 and Dec. 9

• Ravenel Elementary, 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Nov. 17 and Dec. 11

• Tamassee Elementary, 8:30-11 a.m. on Nov. 20 and Dec. 16

• Walhalla Elementary, 8:30-11 a.m. on Nov.19 and Dec. 15

• Westminster Elementary, 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Nov.12 and Dec. 9

• Therapeutic Behavioral Services, which serves 3- and 4-year-olds and is located at Code Academy, 8:30 a.m. on Nov. 16 and at a time to be determined on the second visit

Powell said DHEC nurses will administer vaccinations for H1N1, the formal name for the disease commonly called swine flu, to students with administrative assistance being provided by local school nurses. The vaccinations are free only for H1N1.

Children younger than 10 years old will require two doses of the vaccine that must be administered at least 21 days apart. DHEC officials will provide parents with information about the second vaccination.

“It is the goal of the school district that all vaccination clinics will be completed by Christmas break,” Powell said.

Powell added that parents can also call the DHEC Flu Hotline at (800) 27-SHOTS (277-4687). The call center will be staffed by DHEC personnel who will respond to questions based on a question-and-answer document. Questions that may require clinical judgment will be referred to on-call DHEC nurses.

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