By Sue Loughlin
TERRE HAUTE — Third-grader John Michael McClain sat bravely and focused on a television program as registered nurse Dana Garcia injected the H1N1 flu vaccine into his arm Friday.
“You didn’t even flinch,” Garcia told the 8-year-old during a vaccination clinic at Sugar Creek Consolidated Elementary. “You did great.”
Garcia works for Preferred Home Health Care, a firm hired by the Vigo County Health Department to administer the vaccinations in schools. Vaccination clinics began Friday at four school sites: Consolidated, Fayette, West Vigo Middle/West Vigo High School and Franklin.
While he’s not a big fan of shots, John Michael said he wanted the H1N1 flu vaccine “because I don’t really want to get that sick.”
Jessica McClain, John Michael’s mother, had four children that were going to be vaccinated, including two at the high school and another at the middle school.
Parents or legal guardians must be present for the vaccination when children are in kindergarten through third grade.
Jessica McClain initially had reservations about her children receiving the vaccination.
“I thought about it for a long time first, and then asked nurse friends and my doctor’s office. I trust his [doctor’s] opinion, and he felt it was important to do,” she said.
Her oldest child, a high school junior, didn’t want to take the vaccination, but McClain asked her to get one. Her daughter had heard some negative things about the vaccine.
“I asked her to please do it, to trust me as a parent and that I wouldn’t do anything I thought was going to harm her,” McClain said.
Many children have been sick and absent from school, and some probably have Influenza A, she said. “I feel better now that my children are getting the shot,” she said.
School officials say the clinics went smoothly, including those offered after school at the elementary sites. Security officers were present as a precaution.
While final numbers weren’t in, school officials believe the percentage of students seeking the vaccination will be consistent with national averages, which is about 40 to 50 percent.
Pete Holvey’s two 9-year-old daughters, Olivia and Katie, both got vaccinated Friday. He and his wife spoke to their physician, who recommended the vaccine. They also talked to a representative of Riley Children’s Hospital, where both girls have been patients. Riley also highly recommended the vaccination.
“We just feel like there is more to fear from the virus than there is from the vaccine,” he said.
“It went very well,” he said. “They’re both fine.” Katie cried a little before she received the shot, but she was okay during and after, Holvey said.
Carol Lucas, one of the Vigo County School Corp. nurses, said that “kids have responded well and parents seem very appreciative.”
Some parents are eager for their children to have the vaccination, while others have concerns. She encourages parents to go to the cdc.gov Web site and discuss the vaccination with their doctor.
For most children with medical problems, their doctors are advising them to get the vaccine, Lucas said.
After 28 days, a second round of vaccinations will be scheduled for children age 9 and younger. That age group requires a second or booster shot for H1N1, officials said.
More school clinics have been scheduled for Monday through Wednesday, according to Ray Azar, the school district’s director of student services.
On Monday, they will be offered at Chauncey Rose Middle School; McLean High School; Washington High School; Deming Elementary; and West Vigo Elementary.
On Tuesday, clinics are scheduled for Sarah Scott Middle School; Fuqua Elementary; DeVaney Elementary and Farrington Grove.
On Wednesday, clinics will be conducted at Otter Creek Middle School; Terre Town Elementary and Ouabache Elementary.
Consent forms are required to be signed by parents or legal guardians for vaccinations. The forms are being sent home with students or are available at www.vigoschools.org. The clinic times also are available on the Web site.
Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.
