U.S. plans for autumn swine flu vaccination campaign

By Maggie Fox, Health and Science Editor

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The United States is planning for a vaccination campaign against the new H1N1 flu that could move into schools and community centers, Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said on Thursday.

Sebelius led off a "summit" of state and territorial officials to tell them what the federal government plans to do if the new swine flu virus continues its spread. It has killed at least 429 people globally and caused the first 21st century pandemic.

U.S. officials say at least 1 million people in the United States have been infected, most with a mild to moderate case.

Although federal health officials lead an annual seasonal influenza vaccination campaign, this one is likely to be different, Sebelius said in an interview.

The new flu appears to hit older children and young adults harder, in contrast to seasonal viruses that disproportionately afflict the old.

"We are likely to have a different target population," Sebelius said. "We will be seeking partnerships with schools potentially and other vaccination sites."

Time will have to be spent writing consent forms so parents are not blindsided when schools ask to vaccinate their children, Sebelius said.

Time is short.