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New York City Health Department on Tuesday announced details of a five-week effort to provide free H1N1 vaccine to middle and high school students in all five boroughs.
Through a series of weekend vaccination centers held at varying locations in each borough during November and December New York City will ensure that all school-age New Yorkers have a chance to get the H1N1 vaccine.
Though intended for middle- and high-school students, the weekend vaccination centers will also serve elementary school students (ages 4 and older) who have not been vaccinated in their schools or at their doctors' offices.
All students 18 and under must present signed parental consent forms, which are available in 10 languages at nyc.gov/flu and at vaccination sites, and anyone under 16 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
The first weekend vaccination centers will be held this Saturday and Sunday, at sites in all five boroughs. Each is intended for children from nearby zip codes and will operate for one weekend only.
The City has emphasized vaccinating children because they are especially susceptible to H1N1 influenza and because immunizing children also helps prevent the spread of infection from children to adults in the community.
"If a child cannot be vaccinated by a primary care physician, we strongly encourage families to take advantage of this vaccination initiative," said Dr. Thomas Farley, New York City Health Commissioner.
"Besides protecting their own children from influenza, parents who take this opportunity to have their children immunized will help prevent the spread of the virus to others. Getting children immunized may in fact be the best way to protect adults from this infection," he said.
The H1N1 vaccine comes in two forms: an injection and a nasal spray. Children may receive one form or the other depending on information parents provide on the consent and screening forms. Children under 10 years old will need two doses of the vaccine to get full protection.
Special Report: World Tackles A/H1N1 Flu >>