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Schools to hold flu vaccine clinics
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For the second consecutive year, the Effingham County Board of Education and the Effingham County Health Department are partnering to bring flu vaccine to students in grades Pre-k through 12. The CDC has requested school vaccine clinics at each school for students in order to increase participation and protection.  
 
Parental permission forms for student vaccine, as well as a cover letter from Dr. Skelton, medical director of Chatham-Effingham County Health Departments, are being sent home with students. Permission forms are due back to the school nurse by Oct. 20. Flu clinics will begin the first week of November. 
 
The flu vaccine this year is a combination vaccine that protects against three different viruses including H1N1 and is available in nasal mist as well as shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccine for everyone age 6 months and over, with particularly high risk groups including, pregnant women, the very young and the elderly, as well as anyone with a chronic health condition.  
 
Children under 8 years of age may need a second dose. 
Effingham School Board Approves $203M budget with Potential Property Tax Increase
2026 budget
This chart illustrates how the Effingham County School District’s $203 million general fund is allocated for fiscal year 2026, including spending on salaries, benefits, transportation, health services, and safety and security. (Courtesy of Effingham School District)
The Effingham County Board of Education approved a $203 million fiscal year 2026 budget Thursday night, reflecting an 11% increase over last year. The rise is largely due to an $8 million spike in health and retirement benefit costs for employees. To help cover the shortfall, the district may raise the property tax millage rate, potentially increasing homeowners’ taxes by up to 12 percent.
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