Metro Atlanta schools await swine flu vaccine

By Kristina Torres

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Metro Atlanta school officials said Monday they expect to work closely with local health authorities as the first doses of swine flu vaccine arrive in Georgia this week. But don’t expect to get your flu shot at school — at least, not yet. As officials continue to monitor the spread of the virus, also known as H1N1, systems don’t know yet whether they will host vaccination clinics.

KEY FACTORS

Several variables make it hard to finalize plans. Those include the actual arrival of the vaccine, how many people may be interested in getting vaccinated and what kind of staffing local health departments can offer to help administer it. Initial shipments of the vaccine are expected to be relatively limited. The most susceptible — including children ages 2 to 4 — will get priority.

GETTING WORD OUT

System officials said they will let parents know as soon as they do where and how local health authorities will distribute the vaccine. Both sides talk daily. Systems already actively promote preventive guidelines including hand-washing, cough etiquette and staying home when sick.

ATLANTA/FULTON

Both city and county school officials have offered to host vaccination clinics at their schools. Fulton officials are going ahead as planned with seasonal flu clinics.

MARIETTA/COBB

School officials have received no word yet from health authorities.

DECATUR/DEKALB

Local authorities plan to expand their own clinic hours, rather than use schools. If needed, several DeKalb high schools would be used as vaccination sites. Decatur has tentative plans to offer vaccinations on campus after-hours during the week.

GWINNETT

If needed, the county system would open six high schools across the county as vaccination sites.