ATTLEBORO - A teacher at Fine Elementary School was sent to Sturdy Memorial Hospital after mistakenly being administered an insulin injection by a school nurse during a flu clinic at the school.

Superintendent Pia Durkin said the teacher, who at first did not want to go to the hospital, was taken for observation at the insistence of school officials and is "doing OK."

Durkin declined to identify the teacher or the nurse.

The male nurse, whom Durkin said recognized the mistake and reported it immediately to school officials, was placed on paid administrative leave pending an investigation by school district and state officials. A substitute nurse has been placed at the school in the meantime.

Attleboro Fire Department rescue was dispatched to the school immediately and treated the teacher before bringing the educator to the hospital. Durkin called the mistake a "medical administrative error." She said the insulin was intended for a diabetic pupil who receives injections on a regular basis. She said a vial containing insulin apparently was mistaken for a flu vaccination.

The diabetic student received insulin as scheduled Tuesday, Durkin said.

Flu shots were being offered at the school as part of an ongoing campaign to immunize teachers and administrators. The campaign began Friday. Principal Carrie Glenn composed a letter that will be distributed to parents informing them of the incident, Durkin said.

Insulin is a hormone normally used to control certain types of diabetes. Incorrectly administered, however, it can have serious health effects. . such as dizziness or unconsciousness.

RICK FOSTER can be reached at 508-236-0360 or at rfoster@thesunchronicle.com.