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Pandemic Flu

School Planning

Each year, an average of 20,000 children under the age of 5 are hospitalized because of flu-related complications. 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 flu 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 the flu to others.

Ask children to:

• Cover their nose and mouth with a tissue when they cough or sneeze—have them throw the tissue away after they use it.
• Wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after they cough or sneeze. If water is not near, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
• Avoid touching their eyes, nose, or mouth to prevent the spread of germs.

Checklists for Pandemic Flu Planning
Developed by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Department of Education, these checklists can assist local educational agencies in developing and/or improving plans to prepare for and respond to a flu pandemic.

• Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Influence Planning Checklist (PDF - 124.97 KB)
• School District (K-12) Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (PDF - 123.95 KB)
• Colleges and Universities Pandemic Influenza Planning Checklist (PDF - 170.04 KB)

• Legal Preparedness for School Closures in Response to Pandemic Influenza and Other Emergencies (Center for Law and the Public’s Health at Georgetown & Johns Hopkins Universities) Review of the laws within each state that appear to expressly authorize school closure for extended periods during non-emergencies and declared emergencies.
• Guidelines for Responding to the Death of a Student or School Staff (PDF – 1586KB) from the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Guidelines designed to help school administrators respond to the needs of students and staff after a loss has impacted the school environment.
• Community Strategy for Pandemic Influenza Mitigation (PDF - 10.3 MB)
• Plan Now to Be Ready for the Next Flu Pandemic (PDF - 213.55 KB) (DOC - 51 KB)
• The Next Flu Pandemic: What to Expect (PDF - 226.83 KB); (DOC - 47 KB)