Flu shots coming to Gentry schools

— Flu shots will be coming to Gentry schools on Oct. 26 and 27.

According to Gentry Middle School nurse Mary Bailey, the shots, both the seasonal influenza vaccine and the vaccine against the H1N1 flu virus will be available to students and paid staff of Gentry Schools at no cost to students and staff. Vaccines will also be offered to volunteer helpers at the vaccination clinics.

The vaccines, which are being made available through the Benton County Health Department, will be offered in the primary and intermediate schools on Oct. 26 and at the middle and high schools on Oct. 27. The vaccines will be offered between 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. each day.

The vaccination program is voluntary, and students and staff will have the option of receiving one or both of the available flu vaccinations. Permission forms have been sent home with students, and many have already been returned, Bailey said.

The vaccines will be administered by the school nurses, a health department nurse and volunteer nursing students from area colleges and universities. Gentry Fire Department will also have an emergency medical technician at the schools in the event of an allergic reaction to a vaccine.

News, Pages 1 on 10/14/2009