Keep Flu out of School (KFOS) Communications & Resources Calendar
General School Communication Channels
September 2015-March 2016
Below are 1) important dates, 2) sample messages to use in your school communication channels (e.g.,
newsletters, website postings, morning announcements, text messages home, bulletin boards), 3) sample
tweets, and 4) resources you may want to promote for the months of September through November 2015.
Let’s Keep Flu out of School!
September 2015
 All Month – Back to School
 September 15 to October 15 – National Hispanic Heritage Month (Spanish Coloring Book)
Message: Don’t Miss Your Season or Semester Because of the Flu! Vaccinated students stay healthy, in
school, and ready to tackle the new school year. Vaccinated school personnel stay engaged with the new
school year. And when students and staff are vaccinated, they extend protection to those who cannot be
vaccinated because of their health issues – this is called “herd immunity.”
Resources to promote:
o What Could Your Child Miss?
www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/whatcouldchildmiss_teen_print.pdf
o Shots Aren’t Just for Kids
www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/f-adults-shots.pdf
o You Don’t Have Time to Get the Flu
www.familiesfightingflu.org/wp-content/uploads/SITG_School-Poster_Final.pdf
o What You Should Know About the 2015-2016 Flu Season
www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2015-2016.htm
o Influenza: What you Should Know
(English) http://media.chop.edu/data/files/pdfs/vaccine-education-center-influenza.pdf
(Spanish) http://media.chop.edu/data/files/pdfs/vaccine-education-center-influenza-spa.pdf
o Children, The Flu, and The Flu Vaccine
www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/children.htm
October 2015
 October 18 to 24 -- International Infection Prevention Week
Messages:
Say Boo to the Flu! The flu vaccine will keep you healthy and ready to enjoy the tricks & treats of Halloween.
The little word ‘flu’ may sound like a treat, but it is definitely a ‘trick.’ Get your vaccine!
Parents/caregivers would never consider driving without first buckling up their child. There is no safe way
to hold a child in a car – the only safe way is a car seat properly installed. Vaccines are seatbelts for
preventable diseases – that includes the flu vaccine. Never consider sending your child out into the world
without being vaccinated with all the recommended vaccines. Plan now to receive the influenza vaccine
when it becomes available.
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Sample tweets:
 #KFOS Be a champion hand washer for #IIPW @schoolnurses
 #KFOS Never cough or sneeze in your hands to prevent infection @schoolnurses
 #KFOS Keep fingers away from eyes, nose & mouth to prevent infection @schoolnurses
 #KFOS Say Boo to the #Flu! Get your flu vaccine treat @schoolnurses
Resources to promote:
o The Flu: A Guide for Parents
www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/fluguideforparents_brochure.pdf
o No Flu in My House (English)
www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/noflumyhouse_print.pdf
o No Flu in My House (Spanish) www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/noflumyhouse_sp_print.pdf
o If Your Kids Are a Size…
www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/p_t-shirts_print.pdf
November 2015
Messages: It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. It takes about two weeks to build immunity, so get your
protection before gathering for Thanksgiving. No more excuses – you need a flu vaccine.
Some children 6 months through 8 years of age may require 2 doses of flu vaccine in order to be fully
prevented.
Sample tweets:
o Send a flu prevention e-card to families about to gather for Thanksgiving:
http://t.cdc.gov/ecards/message.aspx?cardid=72
o Share this PSA about families & #flu – in English or Spanish:
www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/media.htm
o #KFOS #GetVaccinated before #Thanksgiving gatherings @schoolnurses
Resources to promote:
o No More Excuses – You Need a Flu Vaccine
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/general/no-excuses-flu-vaccine.pdf
o A Flu Guide for Parents
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/family/A_Flu_Guide_For_Parents.pdf
 YouTube 30 minute video: Sid the Science Kid Getting a Shot: You Can Do It! (The importance of
influenza immunization) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eXvu3R-aYBo)
December 2015
Messages: Each year, about 20,000 children under 5 years old are hospitalized from flu-related
complications. And, in the US, between October 2014-September 2015, 1,272 children under 18 years old
died from flu-related complications.
It’s not too late to vaccinate! Check Flu Vaccine Finder at www.flu.gov for a convenient location to get
vaccinated near you.
Sample tweets:
o 84% of children who died from flu-related complications had not been fully vaccinated.
#GetVaccinated to #FightFlu #KFOS
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Ask you healthcare professional about the nasal spray as an option for kids who don’t like
needles #GetVaccinated #KFOS
#KFOS If your child hasn’t got vaccinated against #flu yet, now is the time!
#Flu #vaccines are offered in many locations like grocery stores or pharmacys. #NoExcuses #KFOS
Resources to promote:
o Activities and workplans to teach children about flu
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/keep-flu-out-of-school/school-resources/activities-to-teachchildren-about-flu
o 10 Reasons to Be Vaccinated
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/10-reasons-children
o Flu Facts of the Week: Shareable graphics about flu prevention
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/resources/general-resources/fact-of-the-week
o Prevent Childhood Influenza Infographic
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/infograph
January 2016
Message: January is one of the peak “flu season” months. After December holiday visits with family and
friends, some students may be “harboring” unwanted germs and spreading them around school. Watch for
information about the signs and symptoms of influenza and know what to do.
Sample tweets:
o It can take up to two weeks to build immunity—get your child vaccinated as early as possible to
make sure they’re protected before #flu activity peaks #KFOS
o Kids are 2-3x more likely than adult to get sick with #flu & schools are a prime location for viruses
to spread #KFOS
Resources to promote:
o Flu Facts of the Week: Shareable graphics about flu prevention
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/resources/general-resources/fact-of-the-week
o Downloadable posters for around school
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/keep-flu-out-of-school/school-resources/kfos-posters
o Prevent Childhood Influenza Infographic
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/infograph
February 2016
Message: Remember to “Take 3” and wash your hand frequently with hot water and soap, cough into your
sleeve, and contacting your healthcare professional within 48 hours if you suspect that your child, or other
family is sick.
Sample tweets:
o Annual vaccination is the best way to prevent #flu. Teach kids to wash their hands and cover
coughs/sneezes #FightFlu #KFOS
o #Flu viruses spread easily from person to person when infected cough, sneeze, or even talk!
#KFOS
Resources to promote:
o Downloadable posters for around school
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www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/keep-flu-out-of-school/school-resources/kfos-posters
Play "Just the Vax" Vaccine Trivia Game
www.chop.edu/centers-programs/parents-pack/play-just-vax-vaccine-trivia-game#.ViZSfNKrRph
March 2016
Message: Flu season is winding down, but that doesn't mean it's gone away! Monitor your children's health
by looking out for signs of flu using flu FACTS (Fever, Aches, Chills, Tiredness, and Sudden Onset of Illness).
Sample tweets:
o #Flu season peaks between November & March so make sure you are washing your hands
properly and covering coughs/sneezes! #KFOS
Resources to promote:
o Prevent Childhood Influenza Infographic
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/infograph
o Flu Facts of the Week: Shareable graphics about flu prevention
www.preventchildhoodinfluenza.org/resources/general-resources/fact-of-the-week
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