Influenza

Flu Facts - What you need to know

Flu Facts Banner Image. To call attention to information regarding influenza and/or flu clinics.

Date of Record:  January 15, 2021

REMOVAL OF FLU VACCINE REQUIREMENT IN CHILDCARE / PRESCHOOL, PRIMARY, SECONDARY, AND POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) is removing the requirement for flu vaccination for attendance in childcare/preschool, primary, secondary and postsecondary education. Preliminary data show that this has been a mild flu season to date, presumably as people have received their seasonal flu vaccine and have been adhering to mask-wearing and social distancing due to COVID-19. Given the intensive Commonwealth-wide efforts regarding COVID-19 vaccination, DPH wants to alleviate the burden to obtain flu vaccination and focus on continuing our COVID -19 vaccination efforts. 

MDPH continues to strongly recommend that everyone age six months and older receive their seasonal flu vaccine each year.  

Flu Prevention Tips


  • Wash your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.
  • If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine.
  • Try to avoid close contact with sick people.

Resources

  1. Flu Symptom Checklist for Families, Schools, and Childcare Programs (PDF)
  2. Influenza Public Health Fact Sheet (PDF)
  1. Cold Weather Safety Tips Brochure (PDF)
  2. Clean Hands Poster (PDF)