Granite sets vaccine guidelines

The Granite School Board unanimously approved guidelines Tuesday night to prepare for the potential H1N1 vaccine distribution in schools.

"It's important children are protected," said Granite School District Superintendent Stephen Ronnenkamp.

Granite district officials are actively communicating with the Salt Lake Valley Health Department regarding when and how much of the vaccine will be available.

The district's new guidelines dictate parental permission is required before students receive the vaccine.

Parents of kindergarten and first-grade students will be encouraged to accompany their children.

"Children at a certain age may be reluctant or frightened of a vaccination — even the (nasal) spray," Ronnenkamp said. "Parents know children best. Kindergarten and first grade are the ages where they may be a little nervous and having a parent there would certainly reassure them."

The students would receive the immunizations before, during and after school.

"When you are immunizing that many kids, there needs to be some flexibility," district spokesman Ben Horsley said.

When the vaccine is available, the district would use its "Teleparent" automatic telephone message notification system to communicate the availability districtwide. Parents can download permission forms from the district and school Web sites.

School staff will be eligible for immunizations at their local work sites if the vaccine is available.

When board member Dan Lofgren questioned whether the district should prioritize who gets the vaccine, the board agreed the district should defer to the health department on prioritization.

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