The 1,400 students is a small number compared to the 4,700 who received the seasonal flu vaccine earlier this fall.
"I would like to see all of our parents sign their children up," Baker said. "None of them have called - I've just looked at the data and have seen that fewer children have gotten the (H1N1) mist."
Baker said she's not sure why parents have been slow in getting their children the vaccine. "The last thing we want is a pandemic flu."
Concern that vaccine risks may outweigh the benefits shouldn't be a factor, according to Baker.
"From everything I've seen, there are concerns over a virus mutation - I think it's important for the students to get what's available now so they can protect themselves," Baker said.
According to Texas Department of State Health Services, getting the H1N1 vaccine is an important step in avoiding getting the flu and it's important to get both the seasonal and H1N1 vaccine. One vaccine won't do the work of the other.
Both are safe, according to state health services. Though neither is mandated by law, both are strongly recommended.
BISD sent home paperwork to parents, asking for permission to give the H1N1 vaccination - the same paperwork that was sent home for the seasonal flu vaccine.
The district wrapped up its first session of vaccinations Tuesday, and will be giving another round next month. Some of the future vaccinations will include a second booster for younger children.
Baker said she is hopeful more students will receive the vaccination next month, when shots will be available for those who could not take the mist.
Temple ISD began administering the mist Tuesday.
"Basically, it's just too early to tell," TISD spokeswoman Regina Corley said of how many students are getting the vaccine. "There's a multitude of reasons students may not be able to take the mist ... so we won't know for a while."
Some students may take the shot in the next round of vaccinations, she said. Others may have received the vaccine from their family doctor or flu shot clinic.
TISD students will receive the vaccine over the next couple of weeks.
The Belton district has H1N1 information on its Web site, www.bisd.net/administration/health/SeasonalfluandswinefluinfoSept09.aspx.
For TISD information, visit www.tisd.org.
dfearson@temple-telegram.com
