The state Department of Health is ramping up publicity for its "Stop Flu at School" program to encourage more families to take advantage of the free, statewide flu vaccination program for elementary and middle school students.

Last year about 45 percent of the 152,750 students at participating public and private schools got the flu shots, said state epidemiologist Sarah Park.

A common reason for not getting the shot, she said, is a student failing to turn in a signed parental consent form to the school. This year the deadline is Sept. 9.

"Every year we hear stories like that (from parents)," Park said. "Stories such as, ‘We just found the consent form crumpled in a drawer,’ but at that point it’s sometimes too late."

Park said the department is increasing television and radio spots, print advertisements and mentions in school newsletters to raise awareness of the program.

Vaccination clinics will be set up in school cafeterias, gymnasiums and libraries beginning in October and continuing into December.

The program, in its fifth year, has a $1.8 million budget. It is funded by federal grants through the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, private donations and state general funds, the health department said.

Park said the flu season typically begins on the mainland in November and reaches Hawaii a month later.