Flu (Influenza) Information for Childcare Providers and Schools

The flu spreads easily. You can spread it to others before you know you are sick. It can cause serious illness in infants and young children. Getting the flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu and its complications. The vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older every year.

Childcare providers and schools play a key role in helping to prevent and slow the spread of flu. NYS Public Health Law Section 613 requires licensed and registered daycare programs and schools to post information about the flu and flu vaccine for parents. Each fall, they receive this announcement NYS Influenza Education Announcement by email or mail as a reminder of the requirement. The publication should be posted in schools and facilities during flu season, from early fall through May, where it can be easily seen by parents and caregivers:

Schools and childcare facilities include:

  • licensed and registered daycare programs
  • nursery schools
  • prekindergarten
  • kindergarten
  • school-age, childcare programs
  • public schools
  • nonpublic schools

Additional resources to share with families and staff can be found on our Seasonal Influenza Information for Children and Adolescents page.