Oct 5, 2009 2:06 pm US/Eastern
Students At 6 NYC Schools Receive Flu Vaccine
Week-Ling Pilot Program Aimed At Formulating H1N1 Vaccination Plan
NEW YORK (CBS) ―
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Children heading into the Children's Workshop School in Manhattan were getting more than an education Monday. Many were getting the flu vaccine.
"She had pneumonia when she was a baby. After going through that I give her the flu shot. I give her the flu shot just as a precaution," said Melissa Vigilante.
About 700 students in six different schools were being immunized against the flu. City health officials hoped that by doing a dry run with the regular flu vaccine, they would figure out the most effective way to distribute the H1N1 vaccine in a few weeks.
The schools involved with the immunization plan are:
- Edgar Allen Poe School in the Bronx (P.S. 46)
- Clove Valley School in staten island (P.S. 35)
- George Washington Carver in Brooklyn (P.S. 40)
- Roy Wilkins in Queens (P.S. 136)
- The Children's Workshop in Manhattan
- Saint Mark School in Brooklyn.
Health officials said their overall school flu vaccination plan had several goals, including flu tracking, obtaining strategies to prevent spreading, school policy development, flu management in the community, and vaccination promotion.
Little Amber Tolentino said she got the vaccine injection, that it hurt, and she would not be willing to get another shot.
Amber's mother feels the same way. Alexa Tolentino said she is not sure if her daughter will get the H1N1 vaccine. "I will speak to her doctor and see what she has to say. From there we'll see."
In fact, many parents CBS 2HD spoke with were opposed to letting their children receive the vaccine. "No. I don't think it's necessary, he's 5," said Bic Jolivet.
"I can't find compelling science to say it's a good idea so I don't think it's a good idea to give shots without real compelling science," said Kevin Cashman.
The pilot vaccine plan was scheduled to continue through Friday. Parents at the six schools participating in the program could opt to have their children get the flu shot at their pediatrician's office or not at all.
"I'm not sure if he is going to get that yet. I need to find out more information," said Melissa Justiniano.
In the coming weeks, parents will receive consent forms to sign so their children can get the H1N1 vaccine.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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