Updated at 12:20 p.m., Monday, August 27, 2007
Hawaii parents urged to study flu shot options for kids
Advertiser Staff
Information and consent packets for the state's free seasonal flu vaccine program in the schools are being sent home and officials are urging parents to read the material carefully.The vaccination program is voluntary and parents will have the option of allowing their child to receive either a flu shot or FluMist, a vaccination administered via nasal spray.
Officials with the state Department of Health said parents must consider possible drawbacks for each type of vaccinations and should read the material being sent home carefully so that they can choose the option best suited for their child.
State officials also announced an "overwhelming response" from schools. About 95 percent of public schools and 73 percent of private schools have agreed to take part in the program, said state schools superintendent Pat Hamamoto today.
From October 2007 through January 2008, the health department will be administering the flu vaccines to elementary and middle school students ages 5 to 13. Parents must submit consent forms to their child's school no later than Sept. 7.
