Parents To Decide If Their Kids Will Get Swine Flu Shot

County Health Officials Say All Children Will Get Vaccine -- If Parent Approves

October 2, 2009 SAN DIEGO -- San Diego County parents will have the option of having their child receive a new swine flu vaccination at school, 10News reported.With the first round of swine flu vaccines due to ship next week, county health officials have set a goal to get every child vaccinated -- if their parent approves.The swine flu vaccination shipments would mark the most widespread vaccination campaign effort since the polio vaccine more than five decades ago.

County health officials sent out surveys to all 42 school districts, and so far 25 districts are on board to host vaccination events. Health officials said they believe nearly all districts will eventually sign up.Each district will determine how the vaccine will be distributed. From vaccine events to community health vans, each dose administered will need parental consent.With school nurses scarce because of budgets, the county will hire professional vaccinators with the help of federal funding.

Passport Health, located in Mission Valley, is a company that's contracted out to give vaccinations. Director Denise Lozares told 10News, "A professional vaccinator is typically a registered nurse, trained in giving vaccinations. They will come with the vaccine stored in a refrigerated container and they will ask about medical history before administering the vaccine."

Poway resident Allison Marklein said her 10-year-old son is getting the vaccine."It's really scary to think something like swine flu can come into a school and threaten my child. It's absolutely a concern," said Marklein.Marklein's son, Chase, said, "I don't want to be sick. I don't want to take that chance."Chula Vista resident Carlos Abila said the bigger chance is receiving the vaccine."We don't know nothing about the vaccine. It's too much of a risk for me and my son," said Abila.Abila said he would wait several months before deciding if his son should get the shot.