It could be two to three weeks before the Washington County Health Department starts administering the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine in other county schools, but students in some Marietta schools will begin receiving vaccinations today.

"The vaccine will be administered in either the first or second week of November, depending on the availability of vaccine," Dr. Kathleen Meckstroth, county health commissioner, said of the county schools in a news release Monday.

"It's crucial to have enough vaccine on hand at one time to inoculate an entire school district, and parents should follow the local media for updated clinic times and locations as more vaccine becomes available," she said.

Consent forms are being sent to parents of all school children throughout the county, and Meckstroth emphasized the importance of filling out, signing and returning the forms which allow parents to say "yes" or "no" to vaccination for their children.

Clinics will also be conducted for children who do not attend private or parochial schools. Those clinic dates and times will also be announced as soon as enough vaccine arrives.

In addition, the county health department will conduct a special H1N1 vaccination clinic for pregnant women only today from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Washington County Health Department, 342 Muskingum Drive, Marietta.

Marietta's City Health Department will begin giving swine flu shots today and Wednesday at Putnam Elementary School, for Putnam school students only.

Vaccinations will also be administered at Harmar Elementary School for Harmar students only on Thursday and Friday this week, according to Vickie Kelly with the city health department.

"We'll continue to vaccinate at other schools in following weeks, including Ewing and St. Marys schools, as we receive more doses from (the U.S. Centers for Disease Control)," she said.

Kelly said consent forms and letters with information about the vaccine were sent to parents of Putnam and Harmar students, and the same information will be distributed to parents of students at other schools as future clinics are scheduled.

"There could be a gap in scheduling, it all depends on when more vaccine arrives and the number of doses provided," she said.

The city health department will also assist Marietta College and Washington State Community College in administering the H1N1 vaccine to college students.

Meckstroth added that the general public can pre-register online with the Ohio Department of Health for H1N1 vaccinations. Those who register will receive an e-mail or text message identifying when a health department clinic is scheduled in the local community.

Kelly said the Ohio Department of Health has given a directive that the vaccinations be given to school children first.

"One reason is that school children are very good at spreading flu viruses," Meckstroth explained. "Also, children age 9 and under will require two shots, so it's logical to begin vaccinating at elementary schools."

In addition she noted that so far the highest fatality rates from H1N1 are among young people.

"Baby-boomers and the elderly, who were exposed to similar flu viruses in their youth, generally have more protections against H1N1," Meckstroth said.