The union representing teachers in Saskatchewan says it's upset they won't be vaccinated against swine flu at the same time young students are given the shot. (Canadian Press)

The union representing Saskatchewan's teachers is expressing concern that they won't be getting H1N1 flu vaccinations when health officials bring the vaccine into some schools to protect young students.

On Monday, provincial elementary school students from kindergarten to Grade 6 began getting swine flu shots.

The Saskatchewan Teachers' Federation has asked health officials to vaccinate teachers as well because they are in close contact with children. The children are classified as a high-risk group because they are more susceptible to the virus.

The STF, which represents about 12,000 public school teachers, said it thought teachers would be included in the vaccination program when students began getting their shots. But under health guidelines, teachers are still considered members of the general public and not at high risk of contracting H1N1.

The STF's concern comes at a time when some parents say they will refuse the shot, despite it being made available to their children.

Shirley McCormick of Regina said she will refuse the vaccination for both of her children as she's concerned about possible side-effects.

"I just decided, no, we're not going to get it. We're gonna make sure we're washing our hands all the time, we've even started gargling with salt water … They say prevention is worth a pound of cure, right?" McCormick told CBC News.

Other parents said they are still waiting to hear where their children can go to get the swine flu shot. Not every K-6 school will have its own vaccination clinic.

In some cases, the health department has made arrangements to bus students to clinic locations. People in rural areas are advised to check the department's H1N1 website for information on where and when a clinic is planned for their areas.

"It's supposed to get done, [if] not today, I guess sometime this week. It's a good thing," said parent Jordy Racette.

Children must bring a signed parental consent form to get the flu shot.