H1N1 Vaccine Reaches Howard Co. Schools

HOWARD COUNTY, Md. - Several Howard County parents expressed relief that public schools have now begun vaccinations for the swine flu. Vaccinations started Friday at three elementary schools.

"We've tried doctors' offices, Minute Clinics, things like that," said Roberta Lawrence, the mother of a toddler who got the nasal vaccine. "Nobody else has [the vaccine]. We figured this was our only option for now."

About 1,300 students got nasal vaccines today. County officials hope to have 3,000 students vaccinated by the next week or two, depending on supplies of the vaccine.

Howard County authorities have decided to target the largest schools first.

Illnesses have already been widespread in Howard County. On a typical day, between 3 and 5 percent of students are absent. On at least two days (over the last couple of weeks) some Howard County schools reported absences in excess of 25 percent of the student population.

School officials say parents are quickly sending back permission forms for the vaccinations. Public information officer Patti Caplan estimated that about half of Howard County students will get the H1N1 vaccination.