The Hawai'i state Department of Health today recognized five Hawai'i schools and its Public Health Nursing Branch for their participation in the first statewide, school-based influenza immunization program, "Protect Hawai'i's Keiki: Stop Flu at School," according to a DOH news release.

Ke Ana La'ahana Public Charter School (Big Island), Kualapuu Elementary New Century Public Charter School (Moloka'i), Sacred Hearts Academy (O'ahu), Maunaloa Elementary (Moloka'i) and Waipahu Elementary (O'ahu) were each presented a plaque by Lt. Gov. James R. "Duke" Aiona Jr. in a ceremony held at the State Capitol. The five schools represent public, private, and charter schools across the state and were distinguished by having either the highest percentages of participation or greatest numbers of students participating in the program, the news release said.

"The schools are happy to be recognized for their efforts in partnering with the DOH to see that students and faculty received free vaccine protection against the flu," said Schools Superintendent Patricia Hamamoto. "We definitely encourage schools and families to participate in this voluntary program when it is offered again this fall."

This past March, the DOH Stop Flu at School program received the Immunization Excellence Award for Overall 2007-08 Season Activity by the National Influenza Vaccine Summit. The program, conducted from October 2007-January 2008, provided influenza vaccinations at no charge to over 60,000 elementary and middle school students in about 340 public and private schools throughout the state. More than 9,000 school faculty and staff were also vaccinated.

The Stop Flu at School program will kick off again at the start of the next school year. Consent forms are scheduled to be sent to schools for distribution to parents at the beginning of August.