Webster, N.Y. -- Seasonal flu shots are being given at your local drugstore and doctor's offices and soon at some area elementary schools.
Some local school districts will give them out as part of a program started by the Centers for Disease Control and run by the Monroe County Health Department.
One of the reasons behind the clinic is to get younger children vaccinated for the seasonal flu. The Webster School District agreed to participate to see how effective the clinics are.
“The CDC does recommend seasonal flu shots… for children 6 months to age 24. That covers the entire school population.,” says Althea Mix-Bryan, Webster Nurse Coordinator
Mix-Bryan says five schools will hold clinics, and the other two will serve as control centers so they can measure how effective the program is.
Parents must give permission for their children to get seasonal flu shots, and right now, some aren't so sure this is necessary.
“I think some vaccinations are good, I really do, but as far as the flu goes, I think they’re basically healthy. I don’t see any reason to get vaccinated,” sais Judy D'Ambrose.
“I worry more about the shot. For some reason it never seems to be effective against the flu. I actually hits, it seems like… I would leave it up to [my son]. If he wanted to get, he could,” said Charlene Silveri.
Mix-Bryan calls the seasonal flu shot tried and true and believes many parents will get their children vaccinated.
“I think because of the heightened awareness with the flu in general, that people are a lot more informed. I expect a good turnout at these,” she says.
The Webster School District will set up flu clinics at five elementary schools after school hours. They should know in a year how well the program worked.
Pittsford and Churchville-Chili will also be among the school districts offering flu clinics.
