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Andalusia City Schools will collaborate with Health Hero to offer a school-based clinic for influenza vaccines on Wed., Oct. 3.

The clinic will be held at both the Andalusia Elementary School and Andalusia High School campuses and will be available to any enrolled ACS student regardless of insurance.

Vaccine consent forms must be completed and returned to the students’ school by Sept. 25.

Parents should return them only if the student will participate in the clinic.

“This is a great opportunity and convenience for our students to receive the vaccine with minimal disruption to their school day,” Head nurse Linda Carrasco said. “In 2017, there were 14 outbreaks in Alabama that involved nine schools and affected over 2,000 students and staff. This impacted communities, parents, staff and students. This disease is very costly and often preventable with a vaccine.”

Carrasco said parents have several choices available when it comes to vaccinating their child.

“Students may receive vaccines from the local health department, their physician, local drug stores and now at schools,” Carrasco said. “I am hoping that parents will be proactive in immunizing their child this year because this is still the best preventative measure to minimize the spread of disease. It is impossible to predict how severe the spread will be this year, but we have already received reports of flu as early as August. Peak flu season is typically December through February, and takes about two weeks after receiving the immunization for the antibodies to develop in the body that will protect against the disease.

Any parent with questions regarding the school-based clinic can contact Carrasco at 222-7569 extension 63228. Opp City and Covington County School are participating as well.