Information and consent packets for the state's free seasonal flu vaccine program in public and private schools are being sent home, and officials are urging parents to read the material carefully.

From October 2007 through January 2008, the Health Department will be administering flu vaccines to elementary and middle school students ages 5 to 13. Parents must return consent forms to their child's school no later than Sept. 7.

Dr. Paul Effler, state epidemiologist, said the vaccination of school-age children against influenza is being pushed because children tend to have very high rates of flu.

"Children are also one of the primary mechanisms for bringing the flu home to their families," he said.

State officials also announced yesterday that there has been an "overwhelming response" from schools. About 95 percent of public schools and 73 percent of private schools have agreed to take part in the program, said state schools Superintendent Pat Hamamoto.

Information packets are being distributed by participating schools, she said.

The vaccination program is voluntary, and parents will have the option of allowing their child to receive either a flu shot or FluMist, a vaccine administered via nasal spray.

Officials with the state Department of Health said parents should consider possible drawbacks for each type of vaccination, and parents should read the material being sent home carefully so that they can choose the option best suited for their child.

The flu shot, also known as the inactivated flu vaccine, is recommended for anyone who is at risk of complications from influenza, who is more likely to require medical care or who has long-term health problems, Health Department officials said.

The nasal spray, which is a live, attenuated flu vaccine, should be used only by children with no long-term health problems.

Last year, there were 15 outbreaks of flu reported at Hawai'i public schools. State officials said that in some flu seasons, more than 10 percent of schoolchildren came down with the illness, whose symptoms include high fever, muscle aches, nausea and days in bed.

Hawai'i is the first state in the nation to offer free flu vaccinations to all elementary and intermediate school students. The program is anticipated to cost $2.5 million, with primary funding coming from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Reach Loren Moreno at lmoreno@honoluluadvertiser.com.