Hopewell Valley schools will partner with the Hopewell Township Health Department to provide H1N1 vaccinations for its students on Thursday, Nov. 19, officials announced today.
 
The clinic will start at 3:30 p.m. in the Timberlane Middle School cafetorium, beginning with students from Timberlane and Central High School. Elementary age students should arrive after 4:30 p.m. All students under the age of 18 interested in getting the vaccination must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Mandatory consent forms to receive the vaccine are posted on each school’s Virtual Backpack on the district website, www.hvrsd.org. Parents are encouraged to download and complete the forms prior to arriving at the clinic.
 
Gary Guarino, township health officer, said township nurses will follow federal and state guidelines by administering nasal vaccines to all healthy, non-asthmatic youngsters. The injected vaccine is reserved for children aged 4 and above who suffer from underlying medical conditions, including asthma.

Guarino noted that, for maximum protection, children under 10 will need to get a second dose in another month.

District physician Alan Remde, of Family Health Center at Quakerbridge, will be present for the vaccinations, along with school nurses.

Guarino’s office will operate a separate clinic for Hopewell Valley residents on Tuesday, Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m, at the township building. Priority will be given to those groups considered at high risk for infection: pregnant women, health care workers and youth age 9 and up with underlying health conditions, Guarino said. Appointments are required and can be made by calling 737.0120 x636.
 
“We’re pleased to work with Gary’s office to offer these vaccinations, particularly for those families who have been unable to receive them at their pediatricians’ offices,” said Superintendent Thomas A. Smith, Ed.D.

“We know many parents have been anxious to have their children vaccinated,” said Guarino. “We’re glad to finally have the vaccine and be able to meet this need in a place that is familiar and convenient for them.”

The township health office received its first large batch of vaccine yesterday.