School Kids In South Arkansas Get Flu Shots

Taylor Eppinette goes to Union Elementary School, “I didn’t want to get it but my mom made me.” Taylor is one of the kids who got the H1N1 shot Tuesday at Union Elementary School. Taylor says the shot felt like “a little person pinching me.” The shots are free for all kids in the school district; all they have to get is get their parents permission. Mother Terri Klippert said, “We checked with our physician and two physicians assistants at church and they are very positive this is what we should do. We need protection.” Most parents think it’s a great idea, and school officials are on board too. Bernadette O’Quinn works at Union Elementary, “I think having the chance to get the flu shot here is just going to keep our school healthier.” School officials say they are disinfecting table tops and cleaning hard surfaces at night but think getting the kids vaccinated will keep kids in school. Klippert said, “We’re keeping our backpacks going through the washer every week and items used in school spraying down on weekends.” Brandy Nixon works as a nurse, she has three kids who got both shots today. “It helps in prevention. Still best hand washing, use common sense and stay out of environment with sick people.” Klippert added, “We want to prevent all that we can to stay healthy.” By mid November all kids in the El Dorado School District who want the seasonal flu shot, will get it. The H1N1 vaccine will be available as long as the supply lasts. And on Friday the Health Department will be at the El Dorado Auditorium giving out free flu shots to the public. The clinic starts at 7:00 AM and runs until 3:00 PM. H1N1 shots will be available to kids under the age of four, pregnant women and kids ages five to 18 with an underlying health condition.