Mabel Nukapigak gets the N1H1 nasal vaccination Nov. 4 at Chugiak Elementary School. Elementary school children across the Anchorage School District began receiving their shots and nasal dosages the first week of November, but a shortage of the vaccine has delayed its delivery to middle and high schools. PHOTO COURTESY MATTHEW CROCKETT

The Anchorage School District is postponing some vaccination clinics because of a shortage of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine.

The district says clinics began Nov. 2 at all elementary schools as scheduled. But clinics for middle and high schools will be rescheduled, probably to December when more vaccine is expected to be available.

Remaining clinics are set for Tuesday at Alpenglow, Eagle River, Homestead and Ravenwood elementary schools. Round 2 shots for all schools will be held in December.

Schools will notify parents of the dates for flu clinics and their permission is required for vaccinations. See www.asdk12.org for details and updates.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Anchorage is partnering with the United Way of Anchorage to enlist volunteers to assist with the planned H1N1 mass-vaccination clinics. An estimated 11,000 hours of volunteer time is needed to ensure the clinics operate properly.

Volunteers will work in four-hour shifts. There are positions for medical and nonmedical volunteers. All volunteers must be at least 18 years old to participate.

Clinics planned for 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and again Nov. 21 at the University of Alaska Anchorage Student Union; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Dec. 5, 12 and 19 at the UAA Cuddy Center. Contact United Way at www.liveunitedanchorage.org/volunteer or call 263-3821.