Yankton and Parkston have been recognized by the state Health Department for outstanding efforts last year to immunize children against the flu.

The two communities had the highest flu vaccination levels in
the state.

Nearly 700 children got the shots in Parkston and 2,800 children
in Yankton.

South Dakota was the first state in the nation to offer flu
shots to all our kids, ages 6 months through 18 years.

The Health Department reports that 88 percent of the 24- to
35-month-olds in the state are immunized against childhood diseases

The state goal is 90 percent.

More than 72,000 children in the target age group were given flu
shots last year.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)