MONTGOMERY (AP) — Alabama schoolchildren younger than 10 will be offered the nasal mist swine flu vaccine at clinics beginning next week.

State Health Officer Don Williamson and state schools Superintendent Joe Morton said at a news conference Wednesday the nasal mist vaccine would be administered at school-based clinics to children in kindergarten to third grade.

Williamson said the vaccine is being given to young children first because two doses are recommended for those 9-years-old and younger. He said the second dose would be given about four weeks after the first is administered.

Health Department officials said they expect the vaccine to be offered for older children after Jan. 1.

Williamson said the clinics would be in some schools next week and would be in the majority of schools the week of Nov. 30 to Dec. 4.

Local superintendents said no dates have been set for clinics, but they will release more information as it becomes available.