CDC Recommending Seasonal Flu Shots For Children, Schools

ACROSS INDIANA — School is back in session and with it comes the spread of germs, including influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said it recognizes that school administrators, teachers, staff, and parents are concerned about the flu and its effects on children. According to the CDC, influenza causes more hospitalizations among young children than any other vaccine-preventable disease, adding that the best way to protect your child against the seasonal flu and possible severe complications is for children to get a season influenza vaccine annually.

According to the CDC, a flu vaccine is recommended for children ages six months and older.

Making healthy choices at school and at home can help prevent the flu and spreading flu to others.

Encourage children, parents, and staff to take the following everyday preventive actions to prevent flu, as making healthy choices at home and at school can help prevent the virus and it being spread to others:

• Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.

The CDC provides more information on preventing the flu, including materials and tools for schools via cdc.gov/flu, as educators and staff can help slow the spread of respiratory illnesses like colds, enterovirus D68 and influenza.

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