Two Long Cane Middle School students are looking for votes to be certain they get to help prevent the spread of H1N1 across the state.

Seventh-grader Jeanette Toscano and eighth-grader Jennifer Lim had artwork chosen as finalists for the Georgia Department of Community Health’s “Shoo Flu, Shoo” art contest.

Now, they need online votes to take the win.

By heading to www. georgiahealthinfo.gov, Georgians can vote for their favorite pieces, spreading the news of how not to spread H1N1.

“I applaud all of the schools and students that contributed to making the Shoo Flu, Shoo art contest a success,” said Dr. Rhonda Medows, DCH commissioner and state health officer.

Out of nearly 1,500 entries, 30 were chosen as finalists from students kindergarten through eighth grade.

The statewide contest was sponsored by DCH’s Roll Up Your Sleeve campaign. The goal was to establish an open dialogue and create awareness among young people about protecting themselves and staying healthy during flu season.

Students submitted artwork in the form of paintings or drawings that illustrated ways to stay flu-free during this year’s unprecedented flu season. These entries were divided into three categories based on the student’s grade in school and were judged based on originality and artistic merit.

To see the pieces, vote for favorites and show some local pride, go to georgiahealthinfo.gov. Voting will end at midnight Sunday.

The top four entries in each category will be featured in the 2010 “Shoo Flu, Shoo” calendar.

“I am amazed by the talent and creativity of Georgia’s youth,” Medows said, “and even more encouraged by their knowledge of flu prevention.”