MINNEAPOLIS — For the first time in decades, Twin Cities schools have been asked to participate in a mass vaccination program.

Health officials plan to set up swine flu vaccination clinics in schools beginning the week of Nov. 16, if the H1N1 vaccine is readily available. Only children whose parents sign consent forms will be given a vaccination.

Minnesota Department of Health spokeswoman Kris Ehresmann says children 9 and younger will be vaccinated first, then the vaccine will be available to all school-age children.

Health officials say the first group to be vaccinated, children 9 and younger, will need a second shot a month later.

Source: Associated Press, KFGO News Center