Out-of-state students to get H1N1 shots

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - The Rhode Island Department of Health announced Wednesday it is taking steps to close one of the loopholes in its school-based H1N1 vaccination clinic progam.

Health officials are planning a vaccination clinic for Rhode Island children grades kindergarten through 12 who attend school out-of-state. The initial school-based clinics currently underway did not include those students.

"Every school-aged Rhode Island child will have the opportunity to be vaccinated against H1N1 influenza this season because immunization is the most effective way to fight the flu virus," said Director of Health Dr. David Gifford.

The all-day event is planned for Saturday, Dec. 12. Health officials said the exact times and locations have not yet been determined and will be announced the first week of December.

Parents who want their children to attend the clinic must pre-register through the Health Department's online enrollment system . Registration will end at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2.

"Children who are not pre-registered for this clinic will not be vaccinated," Gifford said.

Once registered eligible children must bring a signed and dated consent form to the clinic in order to be vaccinated.

Health officials said children who missed their school clinic, non-residents, preschool students and college students are not eligible for this event.

Children who cannot attend the Dec. 12 clinic because of religious observances should contact the Health Department's H1N1 Information Line at 401-222-8022 no later than Dec. 2.