Dothan-area private schools split on offering swine flu vaccinations

Some local private schools will offer swine flu vaccinations while others won’t.

Public schools are expected to begin offering swine flu vaccinations, free of charge, in mid to late November. The vaccinations are being held up by delays in getting enough vaccine to go around.

The Alabama Department of Public Health also intends to offer swine flu vaccinations, free of charge, to private school students too. Some local private schools are taking them up on it and some are not.
Houston Academy is not offering swine flu vaccinations. Debbie Bedsole, a school spokesperson, said scarcity of the vaccine resulted in the school not offering the shots.

Northside Methodist Academy intends to offer the shots at a school clinic. School nurse Terri Dennis said her school had been working with the department of public health to offer the shots.

Emmanuel Christian School is considering offering the shots. Tammy Loyed, a spokesperson, said all school staff have had flu shots, however.

Providence Christian School spokesperson Cheryl Todd said her school has been in contact with the health department regarding offering the shots.