Flu information for school administrators and childcare professionals

Educational materials for schools from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH)

Informational resources

During the 2010-11 to 2022-23 influenza seasons, children aged 0-4 years of age had the second highest influenza-associated hospitalization rate across all age groups. (Adults aged ≥65 years had the highest influenza-associated hospitalization rate.) Among patients hospitalized with influenza, the prevalence of at least one underlying medical condition increased with increasing age, ranging from 36.9% among children aged 0–4 years to 95.4% among adults aged ≥65 years.

The single best way to protect against seasonal flu and its potential severe complications is for children to get a seasonal influenza vaccine each year. Flu vaccination is recommended for all children aged 6 months and older. Making healthy choices at school and at home can help prevent the flu and spreading flu to others. For more information on preventing flu as well as guidance and additional resources visit the CDC page on Preventing Spread of Infections in Schools.

School officials can also learn how to properly clean and disinfect school facilities by visiting the CDC page on Everyday Actions for Schools to Prevent and Control the Spread of Infections. 

School located vaccination clinics

If you are interested in hosting a school located vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC page on Planning Vaccination Clinics as well as the DPH vaccination clinic guidelines (PDF) |(DOCX).

Flu symptom check list

DPH created a resource, Flu Symptom Check List for Families, Schools and Child Care Programs (PDF) l (DOCX), to determine when a sick child should stay at home and when to return to school.

Flu guide for parents

DPH also created a resource entitled Flu Guide for Parents in:

• English (PDF) l (DOCX)
• Spanish (PDF) l (DOCX)
• Portuguese (PDF) l (DOCX)

versions for parents to understand common questions regarding flu.

DPH flu consent and screening form

(www.immunize.org)

• Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Inactivated Injectable Influenza Vaccination
• Screening Checklist for Contraindications to Live Attenuated Intranasal Influenza Vaccination

Withdrawal of permission sample form for schools

The Withdrawal of Permission Sample Form for Schools can be modified by districts/schools to fit their needs. It can be used for parents to withdraw previously given permission for a child to receive a vaccination at school. 

• Spanish Version 
• Portuguese Version 

Model standing orders

(www.immunize.org)

DPH has Model Standing Orders for influenza and other vaccine preventable diseases

For guidance on how to properly store vaccines, please visit the Vaccine Management page as well as the CDC Vaccine Storage and Handling Toolkit