The race to get our kids vaccinated is on.

It could take weeks-or even months-to vaccinate students against the H1N1 flu in just one of Nebraska's health districts.

The Central District Health Department started vaccination clinics in schools Thursday.

A sticker excites these preschoolers, but health officials say they're getting something much more valuable-the H1N1 vaccine.

"We're seeing the kids are getting hit harder with the flu virus so that's why we want to focus on this age group," said Ryan King, assistant health director at the Central District Health Department.

The Early Learning Center in Grand Island is the first school clinic the CDHD has held.

Parents had to sign a consent form before students could receive the flu mist or shot.

"More than half of the parents that are registered out here had their children vaccinated, so we were excited about that because we want to keep the kids healthy," said Pam Dobrovolny, early childhood supervisor at Grand Island Public Schools.

With 200 students now vaccinated, officials hope another*wave of influenza won't make it's way through the school.

But because of a vaccine shortage, it could be awhile before all schools in Central District's three county area get the vaccine.

"It's going to really be based on the vaccine manufacturers and how fast they can get the vaccine out to us," said King.

Until then, health and school officials say even kids should know H1N1 precautions.

"We've really emphasized with the kids about hand washing. We've talked a lot about the coughing into the elbow, and sneezing that way, and getting your hands clean, to not touch your neighbor," said Dobrovolny. "We do a lot of disinfecting at the classrooms so we encourage parents to do the same kinds of things at home."

CDHD will head to Giltner Public Schools on Friday. What schools receive the vaccine next depends on if the school is ready and how much of the vaccine the CDHD has.

Seventy-five percent of Central District's vaccine is still going to health care providers.

That means if you're in the Centers for Disease Control's priority groups but you're not in school-like pregnant women-health officials say contact your own provider.