The Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recommends that you do the following to avoid getting or spreading influenza:

• Get your flu vaccine as soon as possible.
• Cover your coughs or sneezes using your sleeve or a tissue (not your bare hand).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective. 
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people. 
• Limit your contact with other people if you are running a fever with a cough or sore throat, and stay home from school or work for 24 hours after your fever is gone.

Get more information and resources about flu prevention.

As of December 31, 2014, all children under the age of 5 years (6-59 months) are required to receive the flu shot if they attend a New York City regulated preschool or child care center.

The Department of Health is mandating the flu shot to address the high number of deaths in young children due to complications from the flu.

Your child may not be allowed to attend school either in person or remotely if they have not received the flu vaccine. 

You may be able to get a medical exemption if your child has a health condition where the vaccine may be harmful. Contact your child’s school or program to find out what is needed for this exemption. At this time, religious exemptions are not permitted for mandated vaccines.

You can get a flyer about flu antivirals and what to ask your provider about the antiviral.

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