Protecting Children from the Flu
Child Care Settings Now Required to Post Influenza Information

A new amendment to Public Health Law (PHL) section 613 will ensure that families of children ages 6 months to 18 years who attend certain child care settings, public schools and non public schools receive information on influenza disease and the benefits of influenza immunizations. The goal is to increase children’s immunity against influenza.

Child care settings (licensed and registered day care programs, nursery schools, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten, and school age child care programs) are now required to post influenza educational material, in plain view, within their facilities so parents and guardians have easy access to the information.

Information regarding influenza and the benefits of influenza immunizations is free and accessible on the NYSDOH website:

On the website, you will find the Seasonal Flu Guide for Parents, which outlines why seasonal influenza is serious, describes the signs of influenza and how to protect your child by getting vaccinated. The Flu Guide can be downloaded for distribution to staff and parents.

To view the amended PHL 613 in its entirety, visit the “Recommended Vaccinations” web page, scroll down to “Looking for Information on Vaccine Laws?” and follow directions for “Influenza Education Public Health Law Amendment.”

If you have questions about this amended PHL, please contact the NYSDOH Bureau of Immunization at immunize@health.state.ny.us or 518/473-4437.