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Background: In 2008 the CDC broadened its flu vaccine recommendations to include all school age children. School-based programs are an efficient way to improve vaccination rates particularly among elementary school children.
Setting: School based Influenza programs can be a cost effective option for preventing influenza in schools and in their families. Local health departments and schools partnering together can lead to healthier classroom environments, decreased absenteeism and increased attentiveness to learning. Collaboration is critical. Engaging schools and parents by responding to questions about vaccine availability, vaccine safety and costs is essential for the success of the initiative.
Population: School based clinics work well in both urban and rural settings with a targeted population of elementary school age children particularly when the Live Attenuated Influenza Vaccine (LAIV) can be utilized. There is minimal disruption to classrooms and teachers. Schools that have been a part of the program since 2008 have achieved up to 45% participation rate and schools new to the program vary from 20-32% of students immunized in the school setting.
Project Description: The elementary school-based Influenza clinics were first implemented in 2008 in three schools as a pilot project in a school district with Title 1 schools. Additional doses of LAIV were provided through a grant that covered nine additional elementary schools. Approximately 1600 doses of vaccine were given including second doses for ages required in 2008. This year the program has expanded to include 38 elementary schools in four school districts. A total of 5050 doses were administered to a student population of 15,513.
Results/Lessons Learned: Lessons learned include: planning and support of multiple players is critical for success and repetition improves acceptance and efficiency. Opportunities for educating children and families about influenza exist with each child participating in the program.