Dist. 15 has H1N1 vaccine for students, faculty

Only enrolled students and eligible staff will be receiving H1N1 vaccinations at Palatine Township Elementary District 15.

"People can't come off the street," said James Garwood, District 15 assistant superintendent of administrative services.

If the vaccinations are received on time, they'll be first administered on Thursday, Oct. 29. About 100 concerned parents attended an informational session Wednesday night, as Cook County health officials and nurses from District 15 tried to quell concerns.

The turnout was less than Garwood expected. Wednesday's sessions were to give parents the proper information to decide whether to give consent to the school to vaccinate their children.

"I guess what that tells us is that the information that we sent home was enough for them to make the decision," Garwood said.

School officials will have more of the inhalant version of the vaccine, though there will be quantities of the injections for those who need it, including those suffering from asthma. The provider will make the proper determination the day of the vaccination.

District 15 was picked as the first district in the Chicago suburban area to distribute vaccines because of student population, poverty level and access to health care and geography. About a third of the 8,000 students in Palatine have already provided consent. District 15 schools in other towns will get their vaccinations later.

County health officials recommend going to a health clinic, such as Vista Health Center in Palatine, instead of waiting. Both private and public health providers won't charge for the vaccines, although private providers may charge an administrative fee which most insurance companies cover.

Health officials told parents that they're welcome to come in with their child to hold them down or comfort them while being treated. Cook County Department of Public Health Nursing Supervisor Regina Sovcik stressed that H1N1 vaccines are made with the same process and by the same companies which make vaccines for the traditional flu.

H1N1 has already been reported in District 15, and Garwood said the district has told parents to expect to see it at schools, churches and other public places. District 15 would close schools only if county officials tell them. That would happen when 30 percent or more of the school community reports cases.

The H1N1 virus has struck children hard compared to the traditional flu, which has caused more problems with the elderly. That's the reason why the public's more concerned, officials said. The virus has been connected with the deaths of 86 children, including a 14-year-old Naperville girl who died last week. She also suffered from a heart condition.