Salina are school children who have received parental permission will begin getting H1N1 flu vaccinations next week.

According to the Salina Saline County Heath Department, beginning on November 30th, they will provide H1N1 vaccine in the schools. Parents were given printed information about the vaccine in advance, and students who returned a signed parental permission form will be vaccinated. Parents will be informed of vaccination day in advance.

Children ages 5-18 years are one of the CDC priority groups, because they are more likely to become infected with H1N1 flu; and most likely to spread H1N1 flu to friends and family members.

Depending on supply and the child's ongoing medical conditions, students may receive either the nasal spray or the shot, per CDC protocols. It is advised for students to wear short sleeves on vaccination day.

Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 171 laboratory-confirmed pediatric 2009 H1N1 deaths, one influenza B death, and another 28 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza.

Right now 43 states including Kansas are reporting widespread influenza activity.