With the coincidence of flu and holiday travel season fast approaching, state officials are urging parents to get their children vaccinated for influenza.

"We're still waiting for our first lab-confirmed case of influenza in South Dakota, so now is a great time to get the vaccine and protect yourself and your kids for the flu season," Dr. Lon Kightlinger, State Epidemiologist for the state Department of Health," said in a news release.

With about 30,000 childen already vaccinated in an state initiative that provides free vaccine to youths 6 months to 18 years old, Kightlinger urged parents to take advantage of the program. The initiative is in its second year.

According to the news release from the state health department, children are prime carriers of influenza. During the 2007-2008 flu season, 45 percent of South Dakota's cases were kids from newborn to age 19, and 20 percent of flu-related hospitalizations were newborn through age 9.

"Last year, 72,000 kids were vaccinated, or 35 percent of 6-month to 18 year-olds in the state, and this year, we are hoping to reach even more," Kightlinger said.

Meanwhile, many South Dakota school districts are planning child flu clinics. Parents can also contact private clinics or local community health offices to have their children vaccinated. To get a listing of providers, go to http://doh.sd.gov/LocalOffices/Vaccine.aspx. According to the news release, although the vaccine is free, providers may charge an administration fee.

For more information about influenza, go to http://flu.sd.gov.