It is likely—though not certain—that students will be able to receive the swine flu vaccine at their school during school hours, said Kim McPherson, Newberry County School Nurse Coordinator.

“We will offer vaccinations at schools as request by parents,” said McPherson.

The first of the voluntary vaccine arrived in South Carolina today, according to DHEC. And, unless plans change, nurses from Newberry schools and DHEC will partner together to give H1N1 protection to children of willing parents.

When the vaccine is ready, more information will be sent to parents on the inoculation itself, plus times when students can receive it. Parents will also have to send back a consent form.

Children under six months of age, need the shot first, along with pregnant women and those caring for children under the age of two years old, said McPherson.

Young people between six months of age and 24-years-old should also get the H1N1 vaccine, said McPherson.

In the meantime, McPherson reports any swell in the number of swine flu cases to DHEC, as school nurses daily report the number of sick students to her.

Soon, McPherson will daily report all swine flu instances once the state sets up an electronic relay system.

Local schools are also broadcasting information to parents on swine flu through newsletters, backpack mail and phone calls.

One key message is that students should have 24 hours of good health after a fever before returning to school.

And breaking a fever with Tylenol or Motrin doesn’t count as well time, says McPherson.

“If you think you’re sick, stay home,” she says.

The state may receive as much as two million doses of the vaccine by the end of December, DHEC said.