Falmouth schools offer H1N1 shots on Thursday

FALMOUTH — H1N1 vaccine will be offered free to all Falmouth school students at a clinic this week.

According to Falmouth High School nurse Lois Myers, the clinic is scheduled for Thursday, Nov. 5, from 4-7:30 p.m. in the community gymnasium at the high school. To minimize crowds, Myers said parents are encouraged to bring elementary school children between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. and high school students from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Vaccines will nonetheless be administered to students of any age at any time during clinic hours.

The so-called swine flu vaccine is available even for students who have not yet received seasonal flu vaccinations. Parents and guardians are asked to complete and sign a downloadable permission form and bring it to the clinic. There will be some forms available at the gymnasium. It is recommended students wear short-sleeve shirts and eat something before attending.

The district has received only the injectable vaccine, which contains preservatives, Myers said.

For more information and to download the permission form, visit the School Department Web site.