EASTERN SHORE -- Public schools in Northampton County dismissed students early Friday due to a high number of illnesses.
School officials told 13News that 333 students stayed home sick Friday out of a total of 1800, or 18.5% of all students. Monday, 10% were out sick.
A high number of students also reported to their school's clinic, but because some school nurses and staff members were also out sick Friday, school staff was not able to keep up with the demand of parents calling to pick up their children.
Northampton school superintendent Rick Bowmaster said he is not sure the absences are related to swine flu, but said that many students are experiencing flu-like symptoms.That includes throwing up, high fever, muscle aches and sore throat.
Northampton County has three public schools: Northampton High, Kiptopeke Elementary, and Occohannock Elementary.
Custodial crews were busy disinfecting hallways, classrooms, libraries and other facilities Friday afternoon.
Officials say schools will be open Monday.
Pregnant women in Virginia Beach are set to receive the swine flu vaccine Monday.
The Virginia Beach Department of Public Health will host a maternity clinic at the health department headquarters on Corporation Lane.
Vaccine supply is limited and doses will be given out on a first-come-first-served basis.
Several local colleges plan to hold H1N1 vaccination clinics next week. Old Dominion University has set the Thursday, Oct. 29 as a tentative date for the first round of free vaccinations for students and staff.
Hampton University hopes to administer the shots on the 27th and then again on the 30th.
13 News contacted other local colleges,? but they're still waiting on shipments of the vaccine before they set times and dates for clinics.
