Jon Fowler died from complications from H1N1, 10TV News reported.  Fowler was a student at Holy Spirit School.  The school canceled Tuesday's classes so family and friends can attend his funeral, 10TV's Lindsey Seavert reported. 

The school's flag was lowered to half-staff on Monday and grief counselors were there to answer questions and help students through the loss.

SPECIAL SECTION:  H1N1

A mass was also held for the students.

The Diocese oversees Holy Spirit School and 53 other schools in the state.  Schools have sent home letters that have explained that they have followed proper precautions from the start of the school year.

"We are about doing what we should be doing - physically, socially, in gathering with kids, making sure that they are aware, don't drink out of someone else's glass and all those pieces - but beyond that, we need to replenish the heart and soul for us," said Kitty Quinn of the Diocese.  "It's praying for anyone touched by H1N1."

The Diocese announced it is keeping children as safe as possible, including shutting down drinking fountains, asking students to bring water bottles or use cups.  Also, doorknobs, desks, lunch tables and hand railings are disinfected several times daily.  They also have hand sanitizer in the lunch room and cafeteria, Seavert reported.

Other School Districts Taking Precautions

Columbus City Schools is still using water fountains but they are being sanitized daily, 10TV News reported.

In Hilliard, janitors are cleaning restrooms, locker rooms, lunch tables and carpeting on a daily basis.

In Pickerington, the school district has installed hand sanitizer dispensers in every building.

Worthington School officials are looking at how to change their absentee call in process. The district wants to isolate the reason for absences. Parents will soon report whether their child is out because they're sick or whether they're keeping the student home because of fears of H1N1.

Vaccine Availability

As early as Wednesday, the first doses of the H1N1 vaccine will be given to health care workers and first responders.

The first shipment of the flu mist version arrived in central Ohio on Thursday.  Parents will soon be able to get their families vaccinated at their doctor's office.  The Franklin County Health Department will also hold clinics to distribute the vaccine. 

There will be community clinics the weeks of Oct. 19 and Oct. 26 and clinics for school aged children begin the week of Oct. 26.

Anyone planning to get the H1N1 vaccination at the health clinics can pre-register by clicking here.  Those who sign up will be notified when the facility has the vaccine available, saving a needless trip.  There will also be notifications sent when it's time to receive a second dose.

Stay with 10TV News and 10TV.com for continuing coverage.

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