School Pandemic Planning Guidance

This publication, adapted from Contra Costa County, California Health Services, serves as a guide to important pandemic issues, solutions, and communications for schools. However, it is not the intention of the Illinois Department of Public Health or the Illinois State Board of Education to negate any of the important work that districts and schools may already have completed. As such, this guide is not intended to replace your existing pandemic plans, but to supplement the efforts that districts and schools have already undertaken.

Opening Letter from Dr. Randy J. Dunn and Dr. Eric E. Whitaker

Introduction

Section I. The Planning Process

• School Action Steps
• K-12 School Pandemic Planning Checklist
• Child Care and Preschool Pandemic Planning Checklist
• Public Health Instructions During an Influenza Pandemic
• Characteristics and Challenges
• Stopping Germs

Section II. Parent Information and Community Outreach

• Sample Parent Letters
  • Preparation
  • First Bird Case
  • Illinois Cases
  • Expanded Outbreak/School Closures
  • Reopening Schools
• Parent Tips
• Items to Have on Hand for an Extended Stay at Home
• Pandemic Flu Planning Checklist for Individuals and Families
• American Red Cross Home Care for Pandemic Flu
• Media Outreach/Sample Key Messages for Schools
  • Schools Open
  • Schools Closed

Section III. Surveillance

• Surveillance and Reporting
• Daily Influenza Census
• Weekly Influenza Census

Section IV. Fact Sheets

• What is an Influenza Pandemic?
• Avian Flu
• How Does Seasonal Flu Differ from Pandemic Flu

Section V. Posters and Promotional Materials

• Stopping the Flu is Up to You
• Seasonal Flu v. Pandemic Flu
• Keep Our School Healthy
• Power Point Presentation

Section VI. Information and Resources on the Web