BEAVER FALLS, N.Y. -- Hundreds of kids out sick with flu-like symptoms last week had teachers at Beaver River Central School worried, and even though attendance is slowly returning to relatively normal levels, public health officials aren't taking any chances.

"I'm just as concerned with H1N1 as I am about seasonal flu because lots of people get sick and die from both. So our biggest concern is to protect those that are most vulnerable," said Carol Paluck, Lewis County Interim Public Health Director.

Beaver River Central School students will be the first to receive the H1N1 Vaccine from Lewis County Public Health. Receiving the vaccine is voluntary, and school officials finished sending out parental consent forms Tuesday.

"We chose Beaver River because they have the biggest amount of disease present right now. I just felt it was important to try to do something for that population," said Paluck.

"I think our families will be very relieved and pleased. You know, anytime you can provide a service locally here at our school district, that's easy for the parents to access, and we'll be glad to do that for them," said Leueen Smithling, Beaver River Central School Superintendent.

Lewis County public health officials say students and faculty at Beaver River School aren't the only ones being vaccinated. They're also working with doctors across the county to vaccinate everyone that is at high risk for H1N1.

"Most people are going to feel more comfortable going to their physician, so they can ask the questions that they need to ask. Public Health will offer vaccine to those people who have a hard time getting to their doctor or maybe don't have a doctor," said Paluck.

Health officials say they don't know for sure when the vaccine will be available, they do say they hope it's soon enough to prevent another outbreak.

Public health officials say they hope to receive the vaccine within the next few weeks, so they can begin the vaccination clinics as so as possible.