Healthcare Professionals, Take Note!
Vaccination among school-age children is one of the most effective ways to prevent influenza in the whole community.
School-based vaccination can bolster the efforts of pediatric practices, healthcare clinics, and pharmacies who are all working collectively to improve upon and reach universal coverage among children and all age groups. Research shows school-located influenza vaccination (SLIV) programs are associated with reduced influenza-like illness (ILI) and reduced absenteeism during influenza season. Additionally, when vaccination coverage approaches 50% in schools, benefits extend to unvaccinated students as well as the community.
It’s our goal to work with the greater healthcare community to prevent and protect against the dangers of influenza for us all.
Influenza Vaccine Is Recommended by AAP, ACIP & CDC
- They recommend all children age 6 months and up receive the influenza vaccine.
- Those under age 9 may require 2 doses if it’s their first time, however, kids age 9 and up only need one dose.
- Children and adults should take advantage of the vaccine as soon as it’s available.
Here’s How It Comes to Life in Schools
- School-based vaccination clinics (we call them Flu Vaccine Days) are scheduled in the Fall before influenza season begins.
- The influenza vaccine program is completely voluntary. Parent/Guardian consent is required for all students.
- For more information about the types of information we recommend sharing with and collecting from students, please find the consent form here.
- Some students under age 9 may need a second dose for full protection against the flu. SLIV programs may also provide that second dose or direct them to their regular healthcare providers as needed.
- Health insurance information is collected as insurers may help pay the cost of administered immunizations administered, but there is no cost to students or their families.
- Only nurses, supervised nursing students, or other trained healthcare professionals as allowed by your state may vaccinate students.
- Complete vaccination information is entered into your state’s immunization information system or registry.
Choosing Influenza Vaccines
The healthcare professionals vaccinating students will determine if a student is eligible for vaccination based on parent/guardian responses to the consent form medical questions. They will take great care to ensure each student receives the vaccine best suited to his or her needs. The type of vaccine a student receives will be based on their medical history and vaccine supply. National recommendations will indicate the type of vaccines that will be offered at participating schools.