Can School-Based Flu Programs Affect Illness and Attendance?

School-age children have high influenza attack rates and serve as community vectors for influenza spread. Previous studies have demonstrated that vaccinating children against influenza reduces community influenza rates in all age groups. However, annual immunization with seasonal influenza vaccine is a challenge. Alternate venues such as community sites, pharmacies, and schools can increase vaccination rates.

Researchers conducted active surveillance for influenza-like illness (ILI) with polymerase chain reaction (PCR) confirmation during a single influenza season in 4455 children attending four elementary schools with influenza vaccine programs and four control schools in Los Angeles County. Immunization rates among intervention school stud…