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Courtesy Roberto Treviño,

(Laredo, Tx)- Because healthy kids are better learners, the Laredo Independent School District will be offering free flu vaccines for LISD students.

 Now through November 15th, free flu vaccine clinics are scheduled for eligible students at all LISD campuses.

 Elementary school students have their flu vaccines clinics scheduled at their schools from October 19 through November 4. Parents/guardians must accompany their children.

 Middle and high school students are scheduled for flu vaccines from November 8, through November 15. Students must submit signed parent pre-consent forms with their school nurses. Parents do not need to be present.

 LISD Health Services Director Patricia Keck says the flu shot is recommended for everyone over seven months old. “The flu can be very dangerous for young children who have asthma, neurological conditions, and other long term health conditions,” Keck said. “A flu vaccine is the best way to prevent your child from getting the flu.”

 The flu vaccine will be available in two forms: Flu vaccines can be given to children age six months and older. Side effects of flu shots for kids may include soreness, redness or swelling at the injection site, low-grade fever, and muscle aches. The nasal spray flu vaccine (FluMist) can be given to children age two years and older. Side effects of the nasal spray vaccine for kids may include runny nose, wheezing and headache.

 According to the Centers for Disease Control, whether you choose a shot or nasal spray, keep in mind that children age eight and younger who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time or who didn’t receive at least one dose of the vaccine last year need two doses of this year’s flu vaccine given at least four weeks apart. One dose is adequate for children age nine and older and younger children who’ve been vaccinated before.

The flu vaccine offers protection from both seasonal flu and H1N1 flu — no additional vaccine is necessary.  Consult your child’s doctor if you have questions about flu protection for kids or wonder which type of flu vaccine would be best for your child. Also check with your child’s doctor if your child has any medical conditions or experienced a severe reaction to a previous flu vaccine.