H1N1 vaccinations at schools next week

School-based H1N1 vaccine clinics will begin Monday in Maricopa County, and parents can register their children now online.

Mollen Immunization Clinics plans to roll out the novel virus flu vaccine, along with available seasonal flu vaccine, throughout participating schools over the next few weeks, said John Roehm, president and CEO of Mollen Immunization Clinics.

More than 17,000 doses of the H1N1 vaccine were disbursed in community clinics over the weekend, local health officials said, breaking a previous national record for the number of immunizations given in one day.

Arizona received 48,000 doses of the newly created H1N1 vaccine last week. The vaccine not used over the weekend will be used in school-based clinics, Roehm said.

More vaccine is expected to arrive this week or early next week, said Dr. Bob England, director of the Maricopa County Department of Public Health.

Parents who want their children to receive an H1N1 vaccine through their schools can complete the registration form online at www.flushotsusa.com.

That will create a list for Mollen Immunization Clinics and the schools to work with once clinics begin. Plus, by registering, parents will receive an alert about what date their children's clinic will take place.

The registration form also includes a place to list a child's pediatrician. Mollen Immunization Clinics will notify a family's doctor once the immunizations are given, Roehm said.

Parents will need to provide insurance information or state health program information on the form. The form also includes a place to request which vaccine parents or guardians want for their children.

Two of the first school districts to host the clinics could be in the East Valley. Chandler and Queen Creek unified school districts could have clinics scheduled at different schools each day next week, Roehm said.

Terry Locke, spokesman for the Chandler district, said Chandler schools will participate, though no schedule has been set yet.

Most insurance companies cover the cost of the seasonal flu shot. Roehm said he is working with the state's Vaccines for Children program to cover those families who don't have insurance but want the seasonal vaccine as well.

There are two forms of vaccine for both the seasonal flu and the H1N1 flu, also known as swine flu. The nasal form for both carries a small amount of a live virus. Children with asthma or other conditions cannot receive the nasal vaccine. They must receive the injection form. Clinics will have nasal and injection vaccines available.

Children are considered the most vulnerable for the H1N1 virus, so they are part of the first group scheduled to receive the vaccine, based on U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.

Mesa Unified School District has placed an order for H1N1 vaccine in partnership with the Mesa Fire Department and when that is received, the district will decide how to proceed, said Kathy Bareiss, district spokeswoman.