By ERICA ESTEP
6 News Education Reporter
KNOXVILLE (WATE) - Free flu vaccination clinics in Knox County Schools could soon be a thing of the past, if the health department can't find more money to pay for them.
Concerns over funding for the program arose last year when state grant money for the FluMist vaccine ran out. Then this year, the federal government pulled its funding.
School and health department officials agree the FluMist clinics have been successful keeping kids well and healthy children are better learners. But it's expensive, costing between $400,000 and $600,000, depending on the number of students participating.
Jill Carter is the mother of four. Three are Knox County students who participate in the FluMist clinics.
"It's free. It's in school, and it doesn't hurt them," Carter explained. Pain free, cost-free, and convenience are reasons she likes the program.
Carter was in the Knox County Health Department Clinic waiting room Friday with three of her four daughters. She was taking care of health screenings and required vaccinations before the kids head back to school.
After we told her the FluMist clinics could be in danger, she said, "That's a big disappointment because I'd rather mine have the mist in the school than have to go to the doctor and get the shot."
With dwindling state and federal funds, the health department had to purchase it's own FluMist for the school program last year.
"It's not cheap," said Director Dr. Martha Buchanan. "Anybody who gets a vaccine knows that any medicine is not cheap, and when you multiply it by thousands, it goes up even higher."
The cost to vaccinate one child is about $15, which can quickly add up for a big family. "Yeah, that would be a lot of money for me," said Carter. "That would be expensive. I just hope they can continue it for free to help kids with low income families."
The school system has agreed to help, but more is needed. "We're now asking, if you're a citizen and you think this is a good program and it benefits your business or it benefits your church or your family, buy a flu shot for a kid who doesn't have insurance," Buchanan said.
The program has proved successful for Knox County Schools, with only one school closure for flu in eight years. About 55% of Knox County students take advantage of the clinics.
"I hope that it continues," said schools Health Services Supervisor Lisa Wagoner. "I hope the vaccination rate just goes through the roof, and everybody just stays healthy. But the most important thing is to wash your hands and cover your cough. And if you're sick, stay home."
The health department has committed to offering at least one round of flu vaccine free for this school year.
For the first time, it will also attempt to bill insurance companies for students with coverage to help offset costs. Beyond that is up in the air, unless more funding can be secured.
This year, Knox County Schools will encourage parents to use online consent forms for the flu vaccine clinics. They'll also be asked to fill in insurance information and if they'd like to donate towards the program.
