HONOLULU -- The state kicked off its campaign to offer free flu vaccinations for thousands of Hawaii elementary and middle school students.

The vaccines will be offered from October to December for children ages 5 to 13 years at their public or private school.

The state is mailing out consent forms this week for the "Stop Flu at School" and they need to be returned to schools no later than Sept. 5.

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Official Program Web Site

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The Department of Health said its voluntary program helps reduce illness in the schools and homes.

"It's not a cold, and if the child brings home the flu and you have a kupuna in your home, or an adult that has a prior illness like diabetes or is immuno compromised, then you place the entire family at risk," Department of Health Director Dr. Chiyome Fukino said.

Last year, Hawaii became the first state in the nation to offer free vaccines; 60,000 students statewide were vaccinated. More than 9,000 school faculty and staff were also vaccinated.

The state hopes to increase the number of students turning in consent forms from 45 percent to 50 percent of the student population.