ATLANTA - Schools are on the frontline of the swine flu battle, and state health officials are making plans for the largest mass vaccination program in Georgia history.
State Emergency Preparedness and Response Director Dr. Patrick O'Neal tells Georgia News Network they've learned that a limited amount of vaccine may be ready by the last week of the month. Dr. O'Neal says they're working with school nurses now to set up vaccination sites and are recruiting EMS personnel and other medical professionals to help with the effort. And, he says, local health departments and other providers will also offer the shots.
There are nearly two million school children in Georgia and health officials acknowledge that not all will want or get the shot but they are on the CDC's priority list. They also say not all schools will have vaccination clinics. It will depend on whether they have a school nurse and other factors.
The vaccine will go first to areas with the highest number of "vulnerable" residents, such as school-age kids and women who are pregnant... not necessarily the areas with the highest number of cases.
Thursday
July 3rd, 2025
3:07AM
