November 2, 2009 R.I. schools begin issuing H1N1 vaccine Play video

(NECN: Katie Davis, Providence, R.I.) - Starting on Monday, Ocean State school children started to receive their H1N1 vaccination at school.

One of the first school's on the list was Windmill Street Elementary.

The Ocean State has seen at least four deaths related to the H1N1 flu since the virus was discovered last spring.

Last week, a 12-year-old girl who died tested positive for H1N1. The seventh grader was reportedly healthy before her illness. It is still not clear exactly what led to her death.

Doctors said it is important for school children to get vaccinated, because even one sickness can lead to a chain reaction throughout an entire classroom, and even school.

The vaccine is not for all, though. Some children are allergic to eggs, which are used in the manufacturing of the vaccine.

Elementary schools in Rhode Island will offer the vaccine after school, while middle and high schools will provide it during the school day. Parents must sign a consent form for each child looking to receive the vaccine.

If you missed NECN's special H1N1: What You Need to Know, you can watch it in its entirety by visiting your Comcast On Demand menu, clicking "get local," then "local networks," then "NECN." It will be available through the end of November. You can also watch segments of the program on NECN.com's H1N1 Latest News page.