H1N1 Vaccine Clinics Planned for Minnesota Schools

MINNEAPOLIS - For the first time in decades, Twin Cities metro schools have been asked by health officials to participate in a mass vaccination program.

The Minnesota Department of Health plans to set up H1N1 flu vaccine clinics in schools beginning the week of Nov. 16, if the H1N1 vaccine is readily available. Only children whose parents sign consent forms will be given a vaccination.

MDH spokeswoman Kris Ehresmann says children nine and younger will be vaccinated first, then the vaccine will be available to all school-age children.

Health officials say the first group to be vaccinated, children nine and younger, will need a second shot a month later.