EBR public schools giving free vaccines but there are few takers

BATON ROUGE, La (NBC33) — Students in East Baton Rouge Parish public schools can get a flu shot for free, but most do not.

Only about 12 percent of students participate in the free vaccine program. School officials say the break down is in parent participation. Every student must have a signed permission form from their parent to get immunized. They say most forms are never returned.

This year, the district is ramping up efforts to get the word out. They say protecting students from the flu also helps keep their family at home safe.

Permission slips will be going home in October and November. The schools will also call the home of every high school student enrolled, because they have the lowest turnout.

If you have a question about the free flu shot program, contact your child’s school.