Flu Free in Schools and Child Care Facilities Toolkit

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death. Young children are at risk of serious flu complications. Flu and other respiratory illnesses can spread quickly in schools, child care facilities, and other places people gather. You can help protect your students and staff from the flu by encouraging staff, parents, and caregivers to do a few simple things to prevent catching or spreading flu illness.

Below are materials that can be used by school and child care staff and administration, as well as parents and caregivers. These materials can help you create a flu-free environment to prevent the spread of flu among children and staff. It is best to review these materials before the spread of flu begins, ideally in early October, but they can be helpful year round.

Flu vaccination is the best defense against serious illness from the flu. Encourage staff to get vaccinated every year and to stay home if ill so they do not spread flu or other illnesses in your facility. 

The flu vaccine protects against the flu only. It does not prevent the spread of other respiratory diseases. To learn more about preventing the spread of COVID-19, visit the DOH COVID-19 landing page. Some habits can help prevent the spread of any respiratory diseases, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and the common cold.

  • Wash your hands frequently
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue, and then throw the tissue away.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Stay home when you feel sick. Do not return until your fever has been gone on its own (not using medicine to reduce it) for 24 hours.
  • Consider wearing a mask indoors in crowded settings.

For School and Child Care Administration and Staff

For Parents & Caregivers

Consider emailing some of these items to families, or printing and sending them home as backpack stuffers.

Other Resources