Flu information for school administrators and childcare professionals

Informational resources

Thousands of children younger than 5 years are hospitalized from flu symptoms and complications every year. CDC estimates that from the 2010-2011 season to the 2019-2020 season, flu-related hospitalizations among children younger than 5 years old have ranged from 7,000 to 26,000 in the United States. Influenza causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease. 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.

Flu symptom check list

MDPH created a resource, Flu Symptom Check List for Families, Schools and Child Care Programs  (DOC), 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 English (DOC), Spanish (DOC) and Portuguese (DOC) for parents to understand common questions regarding flu.

MDPH flu consent and screening form

• 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

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.