Pandemic Flu

How You Can Prepare:
Schools, Colleges & Universities

Schools, colleges and universities are centers of community life. Every year schools play a role in preventing seasonal flu by promoting vaccination and handwashing, and by reminding families to keep children home when they are sick. See How to Prevent Catching and Spreading Germs for free posters and other classroom resources.

In a mild or moderate influenza pandemic, many students and faculty may be absent from school because they are sick or taking care of someone who is sick. In a severe pandemic, health departments may recommend canceling classes and school-based activities to slow the spread of influenza. Schools play a role in preparing for a pandemic by disseminating health information, planning for staff and student absences, and maintaining a learning environment during a prolonged period of cancelled classes.

Planning Resources

www.pandemicflu.gov
Department of Health and Human Services. Checklists, planning guides and sample plans for:

• school districts (K-12)
• colleges
• universities

U.S. Department of Education
Pandemic flu and crisis management tools for educators and administrators.

• Pandemic Flu: A Planning Guide for Educators
• Practical Information on Crisis Planning: A Guide for Schools and Communities 

ReadyCaSchools
California Department of Public Health. Free multimedia training program for administrators, educational and classroom resources, and planning tools for school districts (K-12), colleges and universities.

SNAP (School Network for Absentee Prevention)
Hand-washing promotion toolkit and curriculum guide for middle schools.

American College Health Association
Guidelines and resources for colleges and universities.

The Berkeley Continuity Planning Tool
Free continuity planning software for colleges and universities.

Sample Plans

Boarding Schools
Sample Boarding School Plan 

School Districts (K-12)
Contra Costa Health Services Pandemic Action Kit for Schools
Pandemic Flu Resources for Schools (Seattle & King County)
ESD 101 School Planning and Preparation (Washington)

Colleges & Universities
University of Minnesota
University of New Hampshire
University of California Davis

Page updated May 07, 2008