OKALOOSA COUNTY - Local school districts are taking action to prevent an outbreak of swine flu.

Channel Three's Laura Hussey checked in with the Okaloosa County School District and has more on what they're doing.

The district is working closely with the County Health Department on the best ways to protect kids from the virus.

One of the highest risk groups for H1N1 is people under 24 years old.
The director of the Okaloosa County Health Department told me that what they're seeing across the state are outbreaks in places where lots of kids are close together, like day camps.

To prevent that from happening in the classroom, Superintendent of Schools Dr. Alexis Tibbetts says parents have to help.

Dr. Alexis Tibbetts: "The most important thing is to please not send your children to school if they are sick. We know it's a tough time with the economy, but we just need them to stay home."

Dr. Tibbetts says they'll be using disinfecting wipes and bleach to clean surfaces that lots of people touch, like doorknobs.

The H1N1 swine flu vaccine is expected to be available in mid-October.

The district will work with the health department so kids whose parents approve can be immunized at their schools.

For the latest on the spread of the swine flu virus, including the number of new cases...click on Newslinks for a link to the CDC's site.