These vaccinations will occur during the school day, beginning with the elementary schools.

These free vaccinations are voluntary.

The elementary vaccination clinics are expected to begin later this month. Middle and high school vaccination clinics are expected to start in early November. Parents will be notified by LCPS' ConnectEd phone system once a specific date has been determined for vaccinations at their child's school.

The Loudoun County Health Department does not know at this time if the H1N1vaccine will be available in the form of nasal mist or a shot.

Vaccination is the best way to protect children from this potentially serious disease. The Centers for Disease Control has recommended that children and young adults ages 6 months through 24 years be vaccinated against 2009 H1N1 as soon as the vaccine is available.

Children under 10 years of age will need two doses of the vaccine spaced about three to four weeks apart. (Schools will inform parents as to when the second dose will be administered.)

A parent information packet with detailed information about the vaccine will be sent home with students. This information also will be posted on the LCPS Web page, http://www.loudoun.k12.va.us/.

If you have any further questions about the vaccine or the vaccination clinics, please contact the Loudoun County Health Department by e-mail at flu@loudoun.gov or by phone at 703-771-5512.