School flu-shot program cut back

Stop Flu at School, the state’s free annual vaccination program for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, will be offered at only about 90 public schools on Oahu this year, according to the Department of Health. In addition, the free flu shots will no longer be offered in private schools.

State Health Director Virginia Pressler said the state would prioritize eligible schools based on students with the greatest need.

The schools selected to participate on Oahu have at least 40 percent of students in the free and reduced-meal programs.

State Epidemiologist Sara Park said the scale-back was due to budget concerns as well as staffing and resource constraints, particularly with the hepatitis A outbreak last year and mumps outbreak this year. She estimated the cost of the program at a little over $2 million.

The flu vaccinations will continue to be offered to all elementary and intermediate public schools on neighbor islands. Overall, about 170 schools this year will still be eligible, down from about 320 schools in previous years.

Park encourages parents to have their child vaccinated by their health care provider. Pharmacies can provide flu vaccine to children age 11-17 with a prescription.