The swine flu vaccine has yet to arrive in Millburn-Short Hills, but school officials are already making plans on how to vaccinate children when it does arrive.

Schools Supt. Richard Brodow said Tuesday the vaccine could arrive later this month or early November and are waiting to hear when it is to arrive before school officials set dates for flu shot clinics.

School officials, however, have finalized some plans for the clinics for when the vaccine does arrive. Brodow said they plan to hold two clinics, one on a weekday after school and a second on a Saturday morning at the Education Center. The vaccine will be free.

Additionally, a parent will need to accompany the child when they come to have the flu shot and will need to bring a parental permission form, Brodow said. The form will be available on the district's Web site or at the Education Center.

District officials also have posted a number of signs throughout the district to remind people to frequently wash their hands and to cover their mouths with a tissue or sleeve when they cough or sneeze. There is also plenty of towels and hand sanitizer available at each school, Brodow said.

So far it has been "calm" with illnesses in Millburn-Short Hills schools, he said. If there is a problem like last spring at Millburn Middle School—which had nearly 200 absences and two swine flu cases before the district closed the school for one day for cleaning and sanitizing—the school will not be closed this year, Brodow said.

But there will be lessons and information available through the district's Web site so students can keep up with their work, he said.

"We don't want parents and students to feel like they have to come to school or will be behind," he said. "They will have a chance to make up tests and work."