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Madison County school leaders preparing for H1N1 clinics

By Trang Do - Bio | Email

HUNTSVILLE, AL (WAFF) - Madison County schools will be among the first in North Alabama to administer the H1N1 vaccine to students.

School leaders will meet Friday to prepare for the clinics.

The first clinics are scheduled to start in about two weeks.

But there's still a lot to be done before the schedule is finalized, including and most importantly, getting word from parents on whether they want their child vaccinated.

This will be a big undertaking, as there are about 21,000 students in the system.

Of course, not all will be getting the vaccine, but the system wants to be prepared for the demand.

Children will not be able to get the shot without written permission from a parent or guardian, as mandated by state law.

Faculty and staff will also have the opportunity to get the shot, but it is voluntary.

The vaccine will be provided free of charge by the Madison County Department of Public Health.

"We want to make sure that every child has the opportunity to take the vaccine if their parent so desires for them to do that. And we will answer any questions that they need," said Geraldine Tibbs, spokeswoman for Madison County Schools.

The first clinics are tentatively scheduled for Wednesday, October 28th, at Endeavor Elementary School and Sparkman High School.

Parents should expect a letter in the mail with a permission form and the date of the clinic at their child's school.

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