Participating Hawaii schools have begun sending home parental consent forms for upcoming H1N1 vaccination clinics, the state Department of Health announced today. The free, voluntary program is being offered to students in kindergarten through eighth grades statewide. Consent forms are due back to schools by Oct. 30.

“We’re hoping that parents will take advantage of this convenient opportunity to get their keiki vaccinated,” said Health Director Chiyome Fukino in a news release. “Vaccination is the best protection you can offer your children to prevent complications from flu. We urge both keiki and their families to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccines in order to have maximum protection against both known flu strains circulating this year. “

In addition to the scheduled school clinics, 2009 H1N1 vaccinations have begun on a relatively small scale for other priority populations. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that populations most at-risk for severe illness or complications from the flu receive priority in getting the vaccine. These groups include:
pregnant women, persons who live with or provide care for infants younger than age 6 months (e.g., parents, siblings and daycare providers), healthcare and emergency medical services personnel with direct patient contact, persons aged 6 months through 24, and persons aged 25 through 64 who have medical conditions that put them at higher risk for influenza-related complications.

“In these early weeks while we have limited supplies of H1N1 vaccine, we are adhering to the CDC recommended priority groups,” said state epidemiologist Sarah Y. Park in a news release.

Initial vaccine shipments to Hawaii have been limited by factors including manufacturers’ output, variations in the state’s allocation and delivery logistics.

To view a list of schools participating in offering H1N1 vaccination clinics, go to flu.hawaii.gov, or call 2-1-1.