H1N1 Flu

H1N1 vaccines being offered at 7 Minneapolis schools

by Phil Picardi, Minnesota Public Radio

Minneapolis — H1N1 flu vaccinations will be available at selected schools in Minneapolis Thursday and Friday.

Students who attend one of seven elementary schools and are under the age of 10 are eligible for the vaccine. Minneapolis health Commissioner Gretchen Musicant said clinics will be held after school both days -- between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

She said last year, seasonal flu-shots were given during the school day, but it was tough to get parental consent.

"Less than 20 percent of children were able to respond with a permission slip from home," she said. "So we thought that after school, parents will be able to accompany their children, have informed consent, and have their children vaccinated that way."

Musicant said the schools were selected in low-income areas, where students may not be covered by health insurance.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 11/19/2009, 4:50 p.m.