Vaccines to combat H1N1 have started arriving in Tuolumne County schools and should be in Calaveras County schools next week.

As of Monday, about 140 vaccines had been given by the Tuolumne County Public Health Department.

Calaveras County health officials have put together a detailed plan to confront the twin threats of the coming winter flu season and the ongoing H1N1 pandemic.

While the effects of H1N1, popularly known as swine flu, have so far been milder than expected, officials are concerned the combined burden may stretch the area’s medical system.
 

A school-based vaccination campaign will shortly begin in both Tuolumne and Calaveras counties for pandemic H1N1 and seasonal influenza.

In Tuolumne County, teachers, while not mandated, will be offered vaccinations for seasonal influenza, said Dr. Todd Stolp, Tuolumne County public health officer.
 

 Tuolumne County Jail officials are awaiting test results for several inmates who may have the H1N1 virus, known as swine flu.

“Absolutely nothing has been confirmed,” said Sgt. A.J. Ford, Tuolumne County Sheriff’s spokesman.
 

A 13-year-old Mokelumne Hill boy has fallen ill with H1N1 flu, the fourth confirmed case of the virus in Calaveras County.

“The youth was not hospitalized and is expected to fully recover,” said Dr. Dean Kelaita, the county’s health officer.