Vaccinations for H1N1 influenza won't be available until at least early November, according to Todd County Public Health Director Cheryl Schneider.

Schneider released the discouraging news during the Oct. 20 meeting of the Todd County Board of Commissioners. Schneider's department has been preparing for a possible H1N1 out break for months. She came before the county commissioners to get approval to accept $66,430 in federal funds to pay for past and future planning.

When vaccine does become available Schneider said her department intends to hold vaccination clinics in all of Todd County's schools. The clinics will be held twice over a two-month period. Children and students who are vaccinated will have to be accompanied by a parent.

Schneider said the clinics will be held from 1-6 p.m. so that workers from various shifts will be able to attend. The H1N1 vaccine will also be available at local clinics in Todd County. People who are 25 to 64 years old are being asked to go to their regular doctor to receive vaccinations. She said people of that age would not be turned away from the clinics at the schools, however.

Schneider said she was not sure how much vaccine will initially be available. The commissioners approved Schneider's request to accept the federal funds.