CULLMAN — Holland Johnson, 7, tried to imagine she was somewhere much more fun Monday, while receiving her nasal mist swine flu vaccine at Cullman Christian School.

“It felt like ocean water, washing out my nose,” she said, still rubbing her nose. “It wasn’t that bad.”

Johnson was joined in the short vaccination line by Madison Smith, 5, who said she greatly preferred the nasal spray over a shot.

“I liked the nose thing,” she said. “It felt funny.”

As part of an Alabama Department of Public Health initiative, the first phase of free H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinics were held at East Elementary School, Cullman Primary School and Cullman Christian School. Clinics are scheduled today for Cold Springs Elementary School and West Elementary School, before schools dismiss for the Thanksgiving holiday.

The vaccine is only being offered to students 9-years-old or younger with no major health problems. A signed parental consent form was required for all students to receive the vaccine.

Though it was only the first day, student participation was somewhat low at all schools involved.

Only 10 percent of eligible children — approximately 100 students — participated in the clinic at East Elementary School.

“I was disappointed there wasn’t more participation, considering the threat that exists from swine flu,” Principal David Wiggins said. “But, the students who did participate and the few parents that came were extremely grateful.”

Approximately 17 percent of eligible students participated at Cullman Primary School, which totaled approximately 80 students.

“The vaccine clinic went very well,” Principal Tricia Culpepper said. “All of the parents who wanted their child to participate turned in their paperwork.”

Cullman Christian School Headmaster Roger Hood said approximately 50 percent of eligible students were interested in participating at his school, though some were held back due to incomplete paperwork and health concerns.

“Our parents really seem to appreciate the convenience,” he said. “This is a really great community service.”

Cullman County Health Department Clinic Supervisor Crystal Page said she wasn’t surprised by the low participation, though she hopes families will check with their family doctors about getting the vaccine.

“We’ve seen a hesitance all along with the general population, but that’s just me speculating,” she said. “But, hopefully those people are getting it at their primary care physician.”

Though participation was low, Wiggins said he was impressed with how the young students handled the vaccination procedure.

“The mist was much less invasive than shots and the kids were a lot more receptive to it,” he said. “I’m really proud we could offer this to our students.”

Page said the first round of clinics went well, which bodes well for the remaining clinics scheduled this year.

“We had a very smooth day,” she said. “Our area staff really worked well with the schools to try and coordinate it by location and when they wanted us to come. We still have a long way to go, but we should be done with the first round of vaccinations by December 8.”

Once schools reconvene later this month, Fairview Elementary School and Parkside School are set to host vaccine clinics on Nov. 30, Vinemont Elementary School and Sacred Heart School on Dec. 1, Good Hope Primary and Elementary Schools on Dec. 2, Hanceville Elementary School and Garden City Elementary School on Dec. 3, Holly Pond Elementary School and Welti School on Dec. 7, and West Point School and Harmony School on Dec. 8.

The vaccine will not be offered to the public at these clinics, only to students in the target age group.

A second round of vaccination clinics are tentatively set to begin in January, to complete the two-part vaccination cycle required for children younger than 10-years-old.

Page said the Cullman County Health Department has a very large surplus of nasal mist vaccines, so local supply should not be a problem for the school clinics.

“If things continue at this rate, we should be all right to continue,” she said.

Children who have already had the swine flu or whose parents believe they have had it still should receive the vaccine. State Health Officer Don Williamson said there are other viruses that cause similar symptoms to swine flu, according to the Associated Press.

More information about public H1N1 swine flu vaccine clinics can be found at the Alabama Department of Public Health Web site (http://www.adph.org), or by calling the Cullman County Health Department at (256) 734-1030.



* Trent Moore can be reached by e-mail at trentm@cullmantimes.com, or by telephone at 734-2131, ext. 225.