Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2009

Swine flu vaccinations in schools, by the numbers

More schoolchildren in the Midlands are opting to get the swine flu vaccine than state health officials predicted, a sampling from the first two weeks of shots shows.

The percentages, mostly from elementary schools, could change as middle and high schools get their chances in local districts.

District 5 of Lexington and Richland counties began its vaccinations this week. Richland 1 is expected to start soon, and Lexington 3 has delayed its shots until Dec. 1 because of vaccine is in short supply.

As the massive statewide effort rolls on, here are a few numbers to consider:

Number of students in S.C. public schools: More than 700,000

Percentage health officials estimated would request H1N1 vaccinations: 30-40 percent

Percentage who requested the vaccine in the first two weeks in local districts: 57 percent in Richland 2; 55 percent in Lexington 2; 54 percent in Lexington 4; 48 percent in Lexington 1

For detailed information on school district vaccine efforts, go to your school district's Web site or see our guide at thestate.com.

Get The State newspaper delivered to your home. Click here to subscribe.