To vaccinate children against H1N1 flu, Massachusetts officials look to 1950s polio model -- shots in school

From The Boston Globe:

Back in the days of the polio epidemic, health officials decided to immunize children against the deadly disease by administering shots at school. Baby Boomers will recall lining up with schoolmates in the mid-1950s for a quick stick in the arm, and perhaps getting rewarded for the courage with a lollipop or an extra recess.

Health officials may return to that method of mass inoculation, in an effort to contain the spread of the H1N1 flu virus this fall among school-age children. The 5-to-24-year-old age group was the hardest struck by the virus last spring, when it first arrived in the United States. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, the median age of those infected by the virus was 14.

About a dozen or so school districts in Southeastern Massachusetts have discussed the feasibility of inoculating children at school with state health officials, with Braintree perhaps being the furthest along. The town plans to administer seasonal flu shots to middle and high school students most likely this month and H1N1 inoculations in November, both during school hours.

Nearby Randolph is formalizing plans for seasonal flu shots to be given on a Saturday later this month, and H1N1 vaccinations most likely during school time in November. In Quincy, health officials say discussion is still “fluid,’’ but it appears students will be given shots at school. Plymouth, too, is looking at how to implement an immunization program for its middle- and upper-grade students during the school day, at least for the seasonal flu.

Other districts that have been in discussion with state health officials regarding inoculation of students include Dedham, Easton, Foxborough, Hull, Mansfield, Mattapoisett-Marion, and Weymouth, according to state records. Some of those may also consider inoculations through the schools, either during the school day or through clinics at other times.

A report issued in mid-August by the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology estimates the H1N1 virus could cause 90,000 deaths in the United States this flu season. And according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the most effective way to contain the spread of the virus will be “vaccinating as many as possible as quickly as possible.’’

Braintree’s School Committee recently voted to begin with seasonal flu shots for middle and high schoolers during school time in the next few weeks. Information and permission slips for the shots are expected to be forwarded to parents in the next several days.

Vaccine for the H1N1 virus will be shipped to each state in October, so Braintree officials believe a dose can be administered to students by early November.

“It will be free and voluntary,’’ said Marybeth McGrath, Braintree’s director of municipal licenses and inspection, who expects the program to be well-received. “We haven’t had any calls of concern about the vaccine, but we have had some calls in favor.’’

McGrath said the vaccine will also be provided to local private schools, including Thayer Academy, Archbishop Williams High School, and St. Francis of Assisi School.

Braintree School Superintendent Peter Kurtzberg pointed out similar measures were taken by the district in the 1990s, when middle school students were vaccinated against hepatitis. “Our intent is to offer this in a supportive environment that will put the kids at ease,’’ he said. Students will receive the inoculation, and be monitored for about 10 minutes before returning to class.

Randolph health agent John McVeigh said he plans to run a vigorous public awareness campaign about the vaccination over the next several weeks.

“We’ll have a seasonal flu clinic on a Saturday in late September for people 10 years old and older,’’ McVeigh said. “The H1N1 shot will be given some time in November during school.’’

Randolph School Superintendent Richard Silverman has been working with McVeigh. “We want them to get the vaccine, since it’s a very effective way to stop the spread of disease,’’ Silverman said.

Quincy public health nurse Ruth Jones said the group targeted for possible vaccination is fifth- through 12th-graders. “The younger children should hopefully be caught by their pediatricians,’’ Jones said. “We want to get it to the population who may no longer see a pediatrician every year.’’

While the plan to administer shots in Quincy schools has not yet been finalized, Jones said it will most likely go forward. “It’s a good idea, because the children are already there,’’ she said. “They’re a captive audience.’’

Area colleges are also gearing up for flu season, with both Bridgewater State College and Stonehill College running several flu clinics on campus for students and staff over the next several weeks. The colleges said the clinics are held yearly, but this year they hope to offer H1N1 inoculations in November, if they can get the vaccine.

“I assume that since we are a community of 10,000, we will get some vaccine,’’ said Mary Lou Frias, Bridgewater State College’s director of health services. “But I’m advising people to get vaccinated for seasonal flu and H1N1 wherever they see shots available.’’

Jennifer Manley, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Public Health, said her office is providing information on flu symptoms, guidelines for care, and requirements for allowing a child back in school to all school districts. “The guideline is that, when they come back, they will have been fever-free for 24 hours without the help of any fever reducers,’’ Manley said. “We will be depending on parents.’’

Manley said there is no anticipated shortage of seasonal flu vaccine, which she believed should arrive in the state next week. H1N1 vaccine is still being produced. Health providers may sign up to receive doses of the H1N1 vaccine via the Department of Public Health’s website.