H1N1 Vaccine for children 9 and under

"I think our kids have been doing a great job of washing their hands and covering their coughs," says Becky Murphy the Licensed School Nurse with West Metro Education Program.

But FAIR School in Crystal, where she works, hasn't completely escaped the flu.

"We've seen a larger than normal flu and influenza-like illness at this school, but luckily, we have not reached the 5% that is required for reporting," says Murphy.

So, word today that H1N1 vaccine might soon be available for Minnesota students was welcome news.

"Get ready because we think it's coming. We think it's going to be ready in the coming month and we want you to be prepared," says John Stine with the Minnesota Department of Health.

The Department of Health plans to give each county limited doses of the H1N1 vaccine, specifically to target kids ages nine and younger. Each county will decide how to give it out. Many are choosing school based clinics.

"it's very difficult to determine where to start," says Jennifer Deschaine, Scott County's Public Health Director. "We did a lottery where we drew a school, so we have a schedule of which elementary schools we will start with and we'll go as far as we can."

Scott County has a plan, now they just need the vaccine, but they are optimistic.

"Eventually we'll have enough vaccine coming in periodically so that we'll be able to get though all the schools and all the grades," says Deschaine.

State health officials say they've ordered 460-thousand doses of the vaccine. They need two-point-seven million to reach every at-risk person in the state.

"Over the coming months there will be enough vaccine for everybody who wants to be vaccinated," says John Stine.

But until it comes, students and the rest of us, will have to be extra cautious about our coughs and sneezes.

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