The Jones County School District is partnering with the Mississippi Department of Health to provide free H1N1 (swine) flu vaccinations to all students.

Dr. Thomas Dobbs, health officer for District Eight of Mississippi Department of Health, discussed the program with the school board at its Nov. 2 board meeting. Dobbs emphasized that only children who have parental consent will be allowed to receive the vaccine. This voluntary program allows a team of nurses from the health department to administer the swine flu vaccine on campus during school hours.

“Dr. Dobbs explained that if this particular strain of flu would have come earlier, it would have been included in the seasonal flu vaccination,” said Jones County School District Nurse Karen Jefcoat. “Because it is affecting the younger population, he wants to get as many children vaccinated as possible.”

Consent forms were sent to parents Wednesday and must be returned by Friday if parents want their children to receive the free shots.

“Our goal is to help facilitate the vaccination process so that any parent who would like his or her child to receive the swine flu shot can do so in an easy and cost effective manner,” said Dr. Steve Thrash, Jones County School Superintendent.

He added that Dobbs stated the vaccination is the best defense against the swine flu and side effects can include injection site soreness and aches. Vaccinations should be available by the end of November or the first week of December.

Jefcoat said the vaccinations will be given at each elementary, middle and high school in the district. Parents will be notified of the dates and times they will be given at their child’s school.