HIGHLAND | If the H1N1 flu virus comes to town, the community will be ready for it, the Town Council said Monday.

Vaccinations started Thursday for young people, Fire Chief Bill Timmer said.

"We hope to be done by this Thursday," said Timmer, who also sits on the Highland Disaster Planning Committee.

Timmer said the program, which is sponsored by the Lake County Board of Health, targets children in both public and private school systems.

Timmer said Highland is partnering with Griffith and Munster on the program as the vaccine is administered by paramedics from Prompt Ambulance. Under the program, parents are notified when and where to bring their kids if they choose to have them vaccinated.

Depending on the situation, the vaccine is administered either by injection or nasal spray. Medical personnel make the decision during the visit, Timmer said.

There are three reasons for the program, Timmer said.

It deals with a potential public health emergency, protects children and also assures that emergency workers, such as the police and firefighters, are not affected by the virus.

Timmer also said adults should inquire about immunization through their doctors because the vaccine is becoming more readily available.