Informational resources
Influenza causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease. Thousands of children younger than 5 years are hospitalized from flu symptoms and complications every year. Children aged <5 years had the second highest rates of influenza-associated medical visits (11,443 per 100,000) and hospitalization (119 per 100,000) in 2022–23 since the 2016–17 season. Among children and adolescents, the percentages of influenza symptomatic illness, medically attended illnesses, and hospitalizations were higher during the 2022-2023 season compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic seasons. Children aged 5-17 years accounted for 28% of symptomatic illnesses, 31% of medically attended illnesses, and 7% of hospitalizations.
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 Influenza Information for Schools and Childcare Providers.
School officials can also learn how to properly clean and disinfect school facilities by visiting the CDC page on How to Clean and Disinfect Schools to Slow the Spread of Flu.
School located vaccination clinics
If you are interested in hosting a school located vaccination clinic, please visit the CDC page on Planning School Located Vaccination Clinics as well as the MDPH vaccination clinic guidelines (PDF) l (DOCX).
Flu symptom check list
MDPH 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
MDPH also created a resource entitled Flu Guide for Parents in:
versions for parents to understand common questions regarding flu.
MDPH flu consent and screening form
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.
Model standing orders
MDPH has developed 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.