The first school-based clinics to vaccinate children against swine flu begin Monday at 10 elementary schools. The clinics, which are free and voluntary, will be held in the afternoon or evening for grade-schoolers.

The state Health Department has said the clinics, scheduled through Friday, will go forward as planned. Future clinics will depend on vaccine availability, but are expected to extend over 28 weekdays.

Parents must sign a consent form and return it to the school if they want their child vaccinated. Consent forms will be accepted at the flu clinics.

Each child can only attend the clinic held at his or her school. Children who do not participate in their school’s clinic will have to get the vaccine from their doctor, most likely in December and January. Also, children who attend private kindergartens will get the vaccine from their pediatrician.

Children younger than 10 need two doses of the flu vaccine, at least four weeks apart. The second dose will be made available after all the school-based clinics have been completed.

To download a copy of the consent form (available in English, Spanish or Portuguese) and to check the clinic schedule, go to http://www.health.ri.gov/flu/about/schoolh1n1clinics/