Flu and Pandemic Prevention

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Guidance for Controlling Flu in Schools

Resources for preventing influenza in pre-K-12 schools:

• Flu Season Information
  Information about the influenza season.
• Seasonal Flu Information for Schools and Childcare Providers
  Provides information, as well as materials and tools, to help educators and other staff slow the spread of flu in schools.

Recommendations to help protect people who are at greatest risk of serious complications from the flu. The CDC recommends that flu vaccine be given to protect people age six months and older.

• School-Located Influenza Vaccination Toolkit
  Provides guidance to local educational agencies (LEAs) about planning and conducting school-located vaccination clinics.
• Communication and Resource Center
  Social media and print resources with clear, concise messages describing who should be vaccinated and other ways to prevent the flu.

You can also ask your health care provider or call the CDC Hotline: 1-800-CDC-INFO (1-800-232-4636).

Pandemic Resources

• Resources for Preparing for Pandemic Influenza
  How to prepare for and respond to a pandemic.
• Frequently Asked Questions about Pandemics
  Questions and answers about how schools can prepare in the event of a pandemic.
• Pandemic Influenza Checklists provide assistance to LEAs, childcare agencies, and preschools in preparing for pandemic influenza:
  • Child Care Agencies and Preschools Checklist (PDF)
  • LEAs Checklist (PDF)
• Sample Flu Notifications
  Sample letters and information for parents including how to protect their family and what to do in the case of school closure. These sample letters may be modified and used for any type of influenza and are available in multiple languages.

Other Resources

• Hand Sanitizers
  Guidance on the use of hand sanitizers in California public schools.
• Flu and Respiratory Disease Prevention Promotional Materials
  The California Department of Public Health's Immunization Branch provides posters in multiple languages on how to avoid the spread of germs and viruses.